WHEREAS, Imogene Bowen was born to Oscar Washington and Gertrude Martin Washington on April 9, 1935, in Sauk, Washington; and
     WHEREAS, Imogene's great grandfather was a well-known Upper Skagit Tribal religious leader and her grandfather served as a Bishop of the Northwest Indian Shaker Church; and
     WHEREAS, Imogene graduated from: Chemawa Indian Boarding School in 1953 as her class valedictorian; Antioch School of Law in 1978 with her paralegal degree; Skagit Valley College with an associate of arts degree; and Western Washington University with honors in 1987 with a bachelor's degree in political science; and
     WHEREAS, Public service became the heart of Imogene's work as shown in her positions as: Prosecutor for Skagit Systems Cooperative; member of the Upper Skagit Tribal Council; founding member of the Board of the Cascade Inter-Tribal Housing Authority; elected delegate to the Democratic National Convention; Chair of the Skagit Valley Democratic Party, delegate to the International Peace Education Conference; president of the Washington State Rainbow Coalition; member of the Board of the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition; member of the Governor's "Citizen Cabinet" from 1992 to 1996; and member of the Board of Skagit County Youthnet; and
     WHEREAS, Imogene was an avid advocate for peace, racial understanding, workers' rights, and environmental protection; and
     WHEREAS, Imogene received the award as a member of the Skagit Valley College Hall of Fame for Distinguished Alumni in recognition of her achievements; and
     WHEREAS, On January 5, 2007, Imogene Bowen passed away in her Mount Vernon home at age 71 surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and many friends; and
     WHEREAS, Tribute is due to Imogene Bowen for her caring spirit, outstanding public service, and her tireless effort on behalf of those without a political voice;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives honor Imogene Bowen for her contributions to all Washingtonians and the state itself; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to members of the Bowen family and the Upper Skagit Tribal Council.