SENATE RESOLUTION

                         1997-8662

By Senators Anderson and Spanel

     WHEREAS, Corliss Murray (Corky) Smith, Sr. worked with diligence and dedication to improve the everyday lives of the citizens of Washington state and the people of Whatcom County in particular; and

     WHEREAS, Corky Smith, Sr. began his public service as a contractor for the explosive work when Interstate 5 was laid through Western Washington and opened our region to improved commerce and transportation options; and

     WHEREAS, Corky Smith, Sr. opened the Olivine Mines in the Twin Sisters area of Whatcom County in 1962 which greatly enriched the economy of the area and led to the formation of Olivine Corporation; and

     WHEREAS, Corky Smith, Sr. and Olivine Corporation were innovators in the environmentally wise disposal of solid waste through the creation of wood and waste burning equipment; and

     WHEREAS, Corky Smith, Sr.'s waste burning equipment is currently in use world-wide and is improving the lives of millions of people by providing them with a cleaner living environment; and

     WHEREAS, Corky Smith, Sr. earned the admiration of his fellow citizens by treating each human being with dignity and respect and significantly improved the quality of life for the people of Whatcom County; and

     WHEREAS, Corky Smith, Sr. will forever be remembered by the people of Whatcom County as the "Hero of the Trash Wars";

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington state Senate does hereby recognize and celebrate the great contributions made to our state by Corky Smith, Sr.; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Executive of Whatcom County, to the Mayor of the City of Bellingham, to the Whatcom County Museum, and to the surviving members of Corky Smith, Sr.'s family:  Mae Smith, Corky Smith, Jr., Randal E. Smith, and Kristine R. Smith.