Our hearts are heavy today, as we’ve lost a true champion for Southwest Washington. Former Democratic State Senator Al Bauer has passed away at the age of 92. The Clark County Democrats thank Senator Bauer for his countless contributions to this community. We wish the Bauer family and friends peace during this difficult time.
Senator Bauer’s proud legacy as educator, legislator, and mentor to many will forever endure along with his countless legislative accomplishments from establishing the WSU Vancouver campus to initiating Running Start and all of his contributions to our community; spanning 3 decades of public service.
While we grieve his loss, we celebrate a great statesman.
Additionally, The Washington State Legislature passed House Resolution No. 2000-4785 in 2000, honoring the many accomplishments of Senator Bauer and we’d like to share that with you as well.
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2000-4785, by Representatives Pennington, Ogden, Carlson, Kenney, Boldt, Mielke, Dunn, Van Luven, Wensman, Skinner, Hankins, Esser, Linville, Thomas, Hatfield, D. Schmidt and Lambert
WHEREAS, It is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize excellence in all fields of endeavor; and
WHEREAS, Albert Bauer has honorably served the people of his community, his Legislative District, and the state of Washington with extraordinary excellence; and
WHEREAS, Albert Bauer was born in Lewistown, Montana in 1928; and
WHEREAS, Albert Bauer attended Clark Community College, 1948-1954 (service interrupted), graduated from Portland State College in 1957 with a B.A. in Political Science and History, and graduated from Oregon State College in 1958 with a Master’s Degree in Education; and
WHEREAS, Albert Bauer was employed as a teacher in the La Center School District, 1958-1961, and the Vancouver School District, 1961-80; and
WHEREAS, Albert Bauer served in the Washington State House of Representatives as State Representative from the 49th Legislative District, 1971-1980; and
WHEREAS, Albert Bauer served as House Democratic Caucus Chairman, 1977-1980, and as K-12 Education Committee Chairman, 1973-1977; and
WHEREAS, Albert Bauer served in the Washington State Senate as State Senator from 1981 through the present with his term expiring in January 2001; and
WHEREAS, Albert Bauer served in Senate Legislative Leadership, including Senate Vice President Pro Tempore, 1999-2000, Senate Democratic Deputy Leader, 1991-1992, Senate Democratic Floor Leader, 1987-1990, and Senate Vice President Pro Tempore, 1986-87; and
WHEREAS, Albert Bauer served on many special committees, including Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC), 1989-present, K-20 Telecommunications Oversight & Policy Committee, 1996-present, Governor’s Higher Education Task Force, 1995-1998, Joint Committee on Pension Policy, 1994-present, Governor’s Committee on School Drop-outs, 1988-91, Governor’s Special Levy Committee, 1987-88, Committee on Energy and Utilities, 1987-88, Legislative Systems Committee, 1987-88, Joint Select Committee on Juvenile Justice, 1987-88, and Higher Education/K-12 Study Committee on Policy, Management, and Structure (Paramount Duty), 1982-84; and
WHEREAS, Albert Bauer has received many honors and recognitions, including Six Years U.S. Navy, Good Conduct Korean Theater, United Nations Medals, Washington State School Principals’ Legislator of the Year Award, Mother Joseph Legislative Award, Betty Sharff Memorial Award, HOSTS Corporation, Personal Commitment to Improve Education, Phi Delta Kappa Award, Bauer Hall, Clark College, dedicated 1988, and Washington State Educational Service District’s Walter G. Turner Award; and
WHEREAS, Albert Bauer has been involved in many civic groups and activities, including American Legion Post #176, American Legion 40 et 8, Local 99, Salmon Creek Grange, Salmon Creek Methodist Church, and Greater Vancouver Kiwanis; and
WHEREAS, Albert Bauer and his wife, Patricia, have three children, Sue, Jim, and Nancy, and five wonderful grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Albert Bauer has served sacrificially throughout his long and distinguished career as an outstanding role model for the young people of this state;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives honor Albert Bauer for his years of dedicated commitment, his personal and professional integrity, and his respect and admiration for the institutions that he worked so diligently for; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Co-Chief Clerks of the House of Representatives to Albert Bauer.
