HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2024-4682, by Representatives Santos and Lekanoff
1 WHEREAS, John McCoy was a dedicated public servant, husband,
2 father, grandfather and great-grandfather who gave tirelessly to his
3 family and community; and
4 WHEREAS, John began his honorable record of public service with a
5 20-year career in the United States Air Force taking him around the
6 world and finally to the White House situation room as a computer
7 technician during the Reagan administration; and
8 WHEREAS, He was called home to the Tulalip Tribes to lead the
9 ambitious and diverse economic development plans including Quil Ceda
10 Village, high speed internet, and access to computers, which led him
11 to be named "Executive of the Year" by the Puget Sound Business
12 Journal; and
13 WHEREAS, Snohomish County's 38th Legislative District first
14 elected John to serve in the House of Representatives in 2003 where
15 he rededicated his commitment to serve his community; and
16 WHEREAS, John championed many issues including water quality,
17 alternative energy, access to technology, support for those with
18 traumatic brain injuries, dental care on Tribal reservations, and
19 voting access for Native Americans; and
20 WHEREAS, The issue closest to John's heart was education, and he
21 personally taught, with patience, kindness, and perseverance, every
22 person who came into his circle; and
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 1 WHEREAS, John's passion for education inspired him to advocate
2 for and pass legislation that ensured Indigenous history, culture,
3 and government would be accurately taught in all Washington schools;
4 and
5 WHEREAS, The "Since Time Immemorial" curriculum has provided
6 teachers and students with tools and resources designed to deepen
7 understanding of Tribal sovereignty and lift the stories of Tribal
8 communities; and
9 WHEREAS, The Evergreen State College saw the teacher in John and
10 offered a position as adjunct professor where he helped establish the
11 Tribal Governance concentration of the MPA program and, consequently,
12 in recognition of his dedication, granted him an honorary MPA degree;
13 and
14 WHEREAS, John felt deeply his obligations to both Indian Country
15 and the state of Washington, was unwavering in his determination to
16 honorably serve all his constituents with equal care and attention,
17 and led by example as the long-serving chair of the National Caucus
18 of Native American State Legislators where he mentored other
19 Indigenous state lawmakers from across the United States who also
20 took on the tough job of bridging the divide between two sovereigns;
21 and
22 WHEREAS, John's legislative district in 2013 honored his steady
23 leadership by choosing him for a position in the Washington State
24 Senate where he served as the Majority Caucus Chair and where he once
25 again fostered a culture of deeper understanding and fairness that
26 continues to influence state governance long after his exemplary
27 career of public service concluded with his retirement in 2020;
28 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives
29 honor John McCoy and his family for the contributions and sacrifices
30 made in service to his community, to Native Nations, to the state of
31 Washington, and to this institution.
32
33 I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of
34 Resolution 4682 adopted by the House of Representatives
35 February 23, 2024
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2 __________________________
3 Bernard Dean, Chief Clerk
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