WHEREAS, Senator Bob Morton served the 7th legislative district with distinction for twenty-two years, first in the Washington State House of Representatives from 1991 through 1994, and then in the Senate from 1995 through 2013; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Morton tirelessly traveled one of the farthest distances to represent his constituents in Olympia, but was happiest when he returned home to the scenic 7th legislative district and his beautiful wife Linda; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Morton came to elected office with a diverse professional background including experience working as a Methodist minister, farmer, logger, and bush pilot in Alaska; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Morton continued to fill in at local churches as a preacher during his time in the legislature and officiated at several weddings, including for legislative staff and lobbyists; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Morton often lead the opening prayer in the Senate chambers with ecumenical grace; and
     WHEREAS, This great institution affectionately refers to him as its "Minister of Agriculture"; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Morton was extremely well liked and respected not only by his faithful constituents and staff, but by Senators on both sides of the aisle, as they recall how he was the consummate gentleman who was respectful of all viewpoints and always made people around him smile; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Morton fought passionately for his district which also led him on one occasion to be gaveled down by the President of the Senate for blowing a railroad whistle on the Senate floor when he thought he was being railroaded by legislation; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Morton was a careful reader of bills, once raising a question on the floor whether a bill provision was more appropriately labeled as an "exemption" or an "exception"; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Morton's policy ideas generated his name in a clue on the game show Jeopardy and most recently in Time Magazine; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Morton has been a mentor and friend to many staff in the legislature, including one of his former legislative assistants, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who is now the United States Representative for the 5th congressional district and the highest ranking Republican woman in Congress serving as the Chair of the House Republican Conference; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Morton dedicated his service in the legislature to natural resource issues serving as Chair of the Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee and Chair of the Agriculture & Environment Committee; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Morton spearheaded efforts to protect water rights for agricultural use, to develop a statewide plan to preserve the health of our forests, and to defend livestock from wild animal predation; and
     WHEREAS, In 2006, Senator Morton was instrumental in the passage of historical water legislation seeking out new water supplies through the construction of new storage facilities and conservation measures; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Morton was known for carrying around a seven foot tall pole that depicted the flow of the Columbia River which he presented to Governor Gregoire as a gift at the bill signing ceremony for the 2006 water legislation; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Morton was known for compiling and distributing an annual salmon report with the goal of achieving a balance between the delicate environmental needs of salmon and the important economic needs and recreational activities of humans; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Morton has made the decision to retire, leaving an indelible mark on Olympia and this great institution. He will be greatly missed by all of us who know and love him;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the members and staff of the Washington State Senate offer their best wishes for a happy and fulfilling retirement and our deepest gratitude to Senator Bob Morton; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Senator Bob Morton.