HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2002-4726, by Representative Morris

     WHEREAS, Gertrude "Gertie" Howard was born in Sweden on January 18, 1909, and came to America with her grandmother at the age of ten; and

     WHEREAS, Gertie met Bob "Pappy" Howard while picking apples in Eastern Washington and soon became his devoted wife; and

     WHEREAS, The Howards built a home on Guemes Island and Gertie and Bob became pillars of the community; and

     WHEREAS, Gertie and Bob shared their love of square dance with friends and never missed a Saturday night in Mount Vernon at the Young Old Times Square Dance Club; and

     WHEREAS, Gertie was a contributing member of the Women's Club and started a tradition of making denim quilts that continues to this day; and

     WHEREAS, A great appreciation of history earned Gertie the title of unofficial historian and inspired her to record the milestones of Guemes Island in her small but important book, "Guemes Gleanings"; and

     WHEREAS, Gertie was a determined and good-humored woman who made her mark not only with her family and faithful friends, but on the Guemes Island community; and

     WHEREAS, Gertie Howard passed away January 20, 2002, and will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives honor the life and work of Gertrude Howard and her contributions to the people of Guemes Island; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to Women's Club, The Evening Star of Guemes Island, and the Skagit Valley Herald.

   I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

   4726 Resolution adopted by the House of Representatives

                     February 28, 2002.

                _____________________________

                Cynthia Zehnder, Chief Clerk