HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2024-4682

HR 4682

ByRepresentatives Santos and Lekanoff

WHEREAS, John McCoy was a dedicated public servant, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who gave tirelessly to his family and community; and

WHEREAS, John began his honorable record of public service with a 20-year career in the United States Air Force taking him around the world and finally to the White House situation room as a computer technician during the Reagan administration; and

WHEREAS, He was called home to the Tulalip Tribes to lead the ambitious and diverse economic development plans including Quil Ceda Village, high speed internet, and access to computers, which led him to be named "Executive of the Year" by the Puget Sound Business Journal; and

WHEREAS, Snohomish County's 38th Legislative District first elected John to serve in the House of Representatives in 2003 where he rededicated his commitment to serve his community; and

WHEREAS, John championed many issues including water quality, alternative energy, access to technology, support for those with traumatic brain injuries, dental care on Tribal reservations, and voting access for Native Americans; and

WHEREAS, The issue closest to John's heart was education, and he personally taught, with patience, kindness, and perseverance, every person who came into his circle; and

WHEREAS, John's passion for education inspired him to advocate for and pass legislation that ensured Indigenous history, culture, and government would be accurately taught in all Washington schools; and

WHEREAS, The "Since Time Immemorial" curriculum has provided teachers and students with tools and resources designed to deepen understanding of Tribal sovereignty and lift the stories of Tribal communities; and

WHEREAS, The Evergreen State College saw the teacher in John and offered a position as adjunct professor where he helped establish the Tribal Governance concentration of the MPA program and, consequently, in recognition of his dedication, granted him an honorary MPA degree; and

WHEREAS, John felt deeply his obligations to both Indian Country and the state of Washington, was unwavering in his determination to honorably serve all his constituents with equal care and attention, and led by example as the long-serving chair of the National Caucus of Native American State Legislators where he mentored other Indigenous state lawmakers from across the United States who also took on the tough job of bridging the divide between two sovereigns; and

WHEREAS, John's legislative district in 2013 honored his steady leadership by choosing him for a position in the Washington State Senate where he served as the Majority Caucus Chair and where he once again fostered a culture of deeper understanding and fairness that continues to influence state governance long after his exemplary career of public service concluded with his retirement in 2020;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives honor John McCoy and his family for the contributions and sacrifices made in service to his community, to Native Nations, to the state of Washington, and to this institution.