WHEREAS, Fran Wilfred Agnes passed away on February 9, 2003, at the age of 80; and
     WHEREAS, He is survived by his spouse, Marlene Agnes, 3 daughters, 2 sons, 13 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren; and
     WHEREAS, He served his country with pride for 22 years, including 7 years in the United States Army Air Corp and 15 years in the United States Air Force, retiring with the rank of Captain in 1961; and
     WHEREAS, He was held as a prisoner of war for 3 1/2 years, endured the infamous Bataan Death March on April 9, 1942, and was liberated from the Hiro Hata prison camp in October 1945; and
     WHEREAS, After retiring from the Air Force and returning to civilian life, he continued to serve his country with pride as an employee of the Washington State Job Service for 25 years from 1962 to 1987, retiring as Operations Manager in Spokane, Washington; and
     WHEREAS, His dedication to improving each community in which he lived was unselfish and untiring; and
     WHEREAS, He worked with determination for the betterment of veterans and their families in the state of Washington; and
     WHEREAS, His efforts were instrumental in ensuring that veterans received proper recognition for their contribution to their country, including promoting legislation to honor veterans with a color guard at their funerals; and
     WHEREAS, His leadership was instrumental in the establishment of Tahoma National Cemetery at Kent, Washington, which was dedicated September 26, 1997, and opened for interments October 1, 1997; and
     WHEREAS, He was an active member of the American Ex-Prisoners of War and was installed as National Commander of this great organization, serving with pride from 1990-1991, and also served as National Convention Site Chairman, American Ex-POWs; and
     WHEREAS, He coached Little League baseball for 20 years, bringing National League Junior Baseball to Spokane, and was a major force in the building of many baseball fields throughout the area; and
     WHEREAS, He participated as a valuable member of the American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor; the Polish Legion of American Veterans, USA; the American Legion; Disabled American Veterans; Veterans of Foreign Wars; National Association of Uniformed Services; Military Officers; the Everett Elks; Wenatchee Eagles Aerie #204; Chair of Tahoma National Cemetery Support Group; member of the Washington State Governor's Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee; Board member of Snohomish County Human Services Veterans Assistance Board; committee member of Washington State WWII Veterans; and Chair of Washington State's Veterans Legislation Committee; and
     WHEREAS, He touched the lives of many with his tireless commitment to his country, his enthusiastic approach to everything he accomplished, and his warm sense of humor; and
     WHEREAS, He will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know him;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the members of the Washington State Senate, on behalf of the people of our state, recognize the life of Fran Wilfred Agnes and express its appreciation for his many outstanding achievements and contributions to the citizens of the State of Washington and to the United States of America.