WHEREAS, Senator Bob Oke has served the people of the 26th Legislative District as a distinguished and respected member of the Washington State Senate since 1991; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Bob Oke's district includes parts of Pierce and Kitsap Counties and the communities of Port Orchard, Gig Harbor, Key Peninsula, and parts of Tacoma and Bremerton; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Bob Oke held the leadership position of Republican Whip in 1993 and 1994; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Bob Oke served as a member of various standing policy committees, including Parks, Fish and Wildlife, chair; Natural Resources, Energy and Water; and Highways and Transportation; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Bob Oke served as a member of various special committees, including the Blue Ribbon Panel on Ferry Safety; Shellfish Advisory Committee, Department of Health; Panel on Transportation Beneficiaries; Legislative Steering Committee on Statewide Monitoring Strategy for Watershed Health; State Parks and Outdoor Recreation Funding Task Force; Joint Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, Organized Crime Advisory Board, chair; WSDOT Ferry Tariff Review Committee; Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) (the oversight panel on state spending); Legislative Transportation Committee; WSDOT Legislative Oversight Committee, Pacific Fisheries Legislative Task Force: Four-state, bipartisan Legislative Task Force on River Governance (salmon, water, power); Aquatic Nuisance Species Planning Committee; and Nonhighway and Off-Road Vehicle Advisory Committee; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Bob Oke has participated in various community service roles and organizations: Former Chairman South Kitsap Parks and Recreation Commission; Washington State Coalition Teaming with Wildlife (member); Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce (member); Port Orchard Kiwanis (member); Community Correction Steering Committee (Kitsap County); Kitsap Poggie Club (member); and Kitsap County Law and Justice Council (former member); and
     WHEREAS, Senator Bob Oke has received numerous awards, including the Coastal America 2003 Partnership Award from President Bush; 2003 Conservationist of the Year Award, Olympia Chapter of Trout Unlimited; Farm Bureau 100 percent voting record award, 2002; Washington State Sportsmen's Council Award (1991); NFIB Washington Guardian of Small Business Award (1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2004); The National Senior Citizen Hall of Fame Award (1994); IBA Gold Medal (1996); Washington State Farm Bureau Certificate of Appreciation, 100% support of farm issues and farm families (1995-96, 1997-98, 1999-2000, 2001); Children's Hospital and Medical Center for sponsorship of a measure that requires children to wear life vests aboard small craft (1997-98); Association of Washington Business Cornerstone Award (1997, 1999); Letter of Commendation for Leadership, Brain Injury Association of Washington (1998); Outstanding Legislator for Service to Veterans (2001); Loyalty Day Award, Veterans of Foreign Wars (1998); Outstanding Veteran, Category of Outstanding Legislator for Service to Veterans, Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (1998); Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Contributions and Participation, Blue Ribbon Panel on Ferries (1998-99); Award for Commitment to WWII Memorial, Department of Veterans Affairs and Lt. Governor Brad Owen (1999); Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group Exceptional Partnership Award, 2000; Award of Appreciation, Legislative Efforts to Protect Banner Forest, 2000; 2002 Citation of Merit, Washington Recreation and Parks Association; Outstanding Leadership in Public Service, American Lung Association (2002); and Certificate of Appreciation for outstanding accomplishments and contributions for four consecutive terms, Kitsap County Republican Central Committee (2003); and
     WHEREAS, Senator Bob Oke is known for his quiet, meticulous work on tough issues; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Bob Oke's calm, thoughtful, and deliberate manner will be greatly missed by his House and Senate colleagues; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Bob Oke is a 26-year United States Navy Veteran, a member of Grace Bible Church, and an avid outdoorsman and gardener; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Bob Oke and his wife, Judy, have three children and eight grandchildren; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Bob Oke plans to spend much more time with his family after retiring;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the members and staff of the Washington State House of Representatives express our deep appreciation to Senator Oke for his commitment and dedicated service to the people of the 26th Legislative District and to all the people of Washington State; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to Senator Bob Oke.