<<

December 20, 2011 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 157, Pt. 15 21469 future endeavors in Kansas, and know Eric A TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF A TRIBUTE HONORING THE LIFE will do great things. DAVID LOWRY WIDELL OF EVELYN HAUSNER LAUDER We thank Eric for his service to the 3rd Dis- trict of Kansas. HON. JIM COSTA f HON. ANNA G. ESHOO OF RECOGNIZING REALTOR ASSOCIA- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF CALIFORNIA TION OF GREATER FORT LAU- Tuesday, December 20, 2011 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DERDALE Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with Tuesday, December 20, 2011 HON. my colleagues Mr. THOMPSON, Mr. FARR, Mr. Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to OF FLORIDA MILLER, Mr. GARAMENDI, and Mr. CARDOZA to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES pay tribute to the life of David Lowry Widell honor the life and extraordinary accomplish- who recently passed away at the age of 44. ments of Evelyn Hausner Lauder, who passed Tuesday, December 20, 2011 His advocacy and passion for Central Califor- away at her home in on No- Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, nia’s wetlands, wildlife, and water issues made vember 12, 2011. Evelyn was a loving wife I rise today to recognize the 90th anniversary him a distinguished community leader and no- and mother, a savvy business woman, a de- of the Realtor Association of Greater Fort Lau- table conservationist. He served our great voted philanthropist, and a noble citizen of our derdale. state in a number of capacities, most recently country who put the ‘‘active’’ in the word activ- The Association has a long, successful his- as the General Manager and Governmental tory of growth and success that mirrors the Affairs Director for the Grassland Water Dis- ist. community growth and economic development trict. Evelyn Hausner married into one of Amer- of the City of Fort Lauderdale and surrounding Dave was born on May 17, 1967 in ica’s most distinguished families, but her be- South Florida community. Watsonville, California, and was raised in the ginnings were humble. In 1936, Evelyn fled From its humble founding in 1922 by six agriculturally rich city of Los Banos, California. Nazi-occupied Europe with her parents, mak- local real estate professionals as the Fort Lau- Dave grew up hunting and fishing, and it was ing their way to America and eventually set- derdale Board of Realtors, the Realtor Asso- at this time that his deep appreciation for the ciation of Greater Fort Lauderdale has grown tling in New York City. While attending Hunter Valley’s wildlife and resources developed. His College, Evelyn met her future husband, Leon- over the past nine decades into one of the love of the Valley led to a fulfilling career, one ard Lauder. In 1959, they married and worked largest realtor Associations in the state of Flor- where he was able to seek political solutions ida. to some of Central California’s most pressing together to help grow the Estee Lauder Com- Today, the Realtor Association of Greater issues. pany. Fort Lauderdale serves more than 7,500 mem- Dave’s reverence for the San Joaquin Val- With only six products when she joined, bers across Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami- ley was enhanced by the knowledge he Evelyn recalled that ‘‘it was a baby com- Dade counties who in turn assist tens of thou- gained through his education. Upon grad- pany’’—something to grow and nourish. sands of South Floridians. uating from Los Banos High School in 1985, Since its inception, the Realtor Association Today, Estee Lauder stands as one of the Dave studied at Modesto Junior College, and most respected companies in the world. Eve- of Greater Fort Lauderdale has helped its then transferred to the University of California, lyn herself created the product line membership conduct thriving businesses and Davis, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree and was an integral part of the fabric of the along the way has promoted the highest in History in 1990. standards of professional practice in the real Dave spent his adult life working in the company. estate community. public’s best interests. He served our nation in Evelyn’s real fame, however, was found in As a Member of Congress, I have been par- the Air National Guard and ticularly proud of the Association’s work over her role as an advocate for the one in eight served our state in several capacities, such as the years as a constant champion for con- women in the United States who develops a field representative for former Assembly sumers in our local communities. . Evelyn herself was a survivor. In cities and towns across America, realtors Member Rusty Areias, and later as Assistant When she learned of her cancer diagnosis in provide expert advice and guidance to current Secretary at the California Resources Agency. 1989, she fought back—and won. She went Dave also worked for the City of Los Banos as and future property owners on what often is on to personally help build the Evelyn H. Planning Commissioner, and Director of the the biggest investment a family makes. Real- Lauder Breast Center, founded the Breast tors promote affordable housing, expand home Merced County Farm Bureau Board. In 1992, Dave joined the Grassland Water District and Cancer Research Foundation, and launched ownership, and work to end housing discrimi- the campaign. Evelyn’s pink bows nation wherever it exists. served as Assistant General Manager. today are recognized symbols of hope for a The Realtor Association of Greater Fort Prior to returning to the Grassland Water Lauderdale does all of these things while District in 2007 as General Manager, Dave cure for breast cancer, as does her lipstick maintaining the highest level of profes- dedicated his time to a number of organiza- Pink Ribbon. sionalism. The Association’s realtors study tions, and served in a number of roles, includ- I have always admired Evelyn’s work from long hours to hone their professional skills and ing Chief Deputy Director of Governmental Af- afar, and I have the honor and privilege of fairs at the California Waterfowl Association adhere to the Code of Ethics set out by the representing her son, Gary Lauder, her daugh- and as Director of Conservation Policy for National Association of Realtors. ter-in-law, Laura Lauder, and grandchildren, The last few years have been extremely dif- Ducks Unlimited. Dave’s breadth of experi- Ellie and Josh, and having them as my dear ficult for the housing market nationally, and ence gave him a unique combination of intel- especially in South Florida. Yet, realtors have lect and enthusiasm, which allowed him to friends. stood ready to assist with the challenges of serve the —and its people, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me the current market because they know—as all water, and wildlife—with tact and influence. in extending our deepest condolences to Eve- of us who live in South Florida know—that our Whether he was working on issues impor- lyn Lauder’s husband, ; her community is one of the best places in the tant to the Valley or spending time with his children, William Lauder and Gary Lauder; her country to live, work, and raise our families. son Ty, currently a student at Purdue Univer- daughter-in-law, Laura Lauder; and her be- sity, Dave lived a full and rich life. His dedica- I am pleased to join in celebrating the Real- loved grandchildren. Evelyn Lauder’s life is in- tor Association of Greater Fort Lauderdale on tion and service will leave a lasting legacy, structive to all of us of the significance that their 90th anniversary and wish to honor all of and we will miss his insights and his humor. Florida’s realtors who serve our communities. Mr. Speaker, we ask our colleagues to join one person can have for an entire nation . . . I look forward to continuing to work with the us in paying tribute to the life of David Lowry to literally insert an issue into the national dia- Realtor Association of Greater Fort Lauderdale Widell, a respected and joyous man with a logue and consciousness. As the poet wrote, as it continues its long tradition of excellence steadfast commitment to protecting the Central ‘‘and so she passed on, and all the trumpets to the South Florida community. Valley’s natural resources. sounded on the other side.’’

VerDate Sep 11 2014 15:41 Jun 09, 2016 Jkt 099102 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR11\E20DE1.000 E20DE1 ehiers on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD 21470 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 157, Pt. 15 December 20, 2011 IN RECOGNITION OF THE CAREER religious persecution in the Middle East and OUR UNCONSCIONABLE NATIONAL AND HUMANITARIAN ACHIEVE- elsewhere. Most recently, Farooq was hon- DEBT MENTS OF FAROOQ KATHWARI ored by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees for his steadfast HON. MIKE COFFMAN HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN dedication to raising consciousness of the OF COLORADO plight of refugees worldwide. He also serves OF NEW YORK IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES on the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and Tuesday, December 20, 2011 Tuesday, December 20, 2011 has received numerous awards for his peace Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today activism, including the humanitarian award on January 26, 1995, when the last attempt at to seek Congressional recognition of the ex- from the Anti-Defamation League. Farooq is a a balanced budget amendment passed the ceptional achievements and outstanding chari- director and former chairman of Refugees House by a bipartisan vote of 300–132, the table and humanitarian works of Farooq International, a director of the International national debt was $4,801,405,175,294.28. Kathwari. Rescue Committee, director of the Institute for Today, it is $15,104,054,667,691.48. We’ve Just this month, Mr. Kathwari received yet the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown Univer- added $10,302,649,492,397.20 dollars to our another prestigious honor, as the United sity and the Henry L. Stimson Center, and a debt in 16 years. This is $10 trillion in debt our States Institute of Peace, USIP, dedicated the member of the Council on Foreign Relations. nation, our economy, and our children could Farooq Kathwari Amphitheater in recognition He is also my friend. have avoided with a balanced budget amend- of both his long standing work with USIP, as Mr. Speaker, Farooq’s life’s work is to help ment. well as his decades of humanitarian efforts foster a dialogue for peace in much-troubled across the globe. Not only has Farooq en- regions, and to promote human rights around f joyed a long and illustrious business career, the world. I ask all my colleagues in the but throughout his life he has also dedicated COMMENDING KEVIN FAY FOR RE- House of Representatives to stand and join CEIVING THE 2012 JAMES L. himself unfalteringly to numerous humanitarian me now in honoring Farooq Kathwari, a most causes. I have always marveled at the way he EICHBERG LIFETIME ACHIEVE- compassionate and selfless citizen. May his MENT AWARD balances such a successful business career good works serve as a model for countless with his commitment to giving back and ‘‘pay- others to follow. ing it forward.’’ Farooq Kathwari is a most fit- HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY ting recipient of this singular honor from USIP. f OF VIRGINIA While leading a Fortune 500 company, he IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES generously lends his valuable time and energy HONORING SGT. TIMOTHY K. Tuesday, December 20, 2011 to promote world peace through advocacy and GILBOE by serving on the boards of numerous human- Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rights organizations. rise to commend Kevin Fay for being named The life story of Farooq Kathwari illustrates HON. MICHAEL H. MICHAUD the recipient of the inaugural James L. what our great country stands for, and the OF MAINE Eichberg Lifetime Achievement Award for his bountiful opportunities the United States offers IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES many years of tremendous service to our com- its citizens. Farooq Kathwari came to America munity. over 40 years ago as a political refugee from Tuesday, December 20, 2011 Kevin has been an Executive Committee strife-torn Kashmir, and he now leads one of Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to member of the Leukemia Ball for 15 years, the Nation’s largest and prestigious compa- congratulate Sgt. Timothy K. Gilboe on being helping to raise more than $3 million for re- nies. He arrived in New York City at age 20 awarded the Silver Star for his heroic action in search funding. In 2001, he founded The Leu- armed with a B.A. in English and political Afghanistan. kemia & Lymphoma Society’s Congressional science, and with a determination to live and Honors Program helping to educate those of In 2006, Sgt. Gilboe left his home in Jack- grow in a free society. Two years later he us in Congress on the many challenges these man, Maine to serve in the Army. After enlist- earned an MBA, went to work for Newcourt deadly diseases pose, and the effectiveness ing, Sgt. Gilboe showed outstanding qualities Securities, where he rapidly rose to the posi- of research funding in leading to advances in as a soldier, earning him membership to the tion of vice president, and simultaneously diagnosing and treating them. 4th Brigade’s Combat Team, 10th Mountain launched his own importing business. Soon Kevin has served on the Fairfax County Division at Fort Polk. Eventually, he was sent thereafter, the iconic American company, Park Authority since 2003, improving the qual- to Afghanistan. Ethan Allen, purchased an interest in his com- ity of life for local residents. He has helped pany. In 1980, the firms merged, and Farooq On April 28th, 2011, insurgents opened fire provide new athletic fields, a fully accessible Kathwari became vice president of Ethan on Gilboe’s platoon, wounding the leader and playground for children of all abilities, addi- Allen. By 1989, he had risen to the post of squad leader. Sgt. Gilboe returned fire while tional County trails and the preservation of his- Chairman, President, and CEO. Farooq has suppressing the flames that ignited on a com- toric sites. He has chaired several Park Au- been the top executive at Ethan Allen Interiors rade’s backpack. When an insurgent ran to- thority committees, as well as serving as a liai- for 26 years; under his leadership, the com- wards him with a rifle, an unarmed Sgt. Gilboe son to the Fairfax County Public Schools. pany has become a leading competitor in inte- physically arrested the belligerent, despite Additionally, Kevin has assisted in the fund- rior design and home furnishings, while also gun-shot wounds he had sustained to his leg. raising efforts of numerous charitable organi- fostering a business that values environmental After a fellow soldier was able to neutralize zations such as St. Patrick’s Foundation, The and social responsibility. He is a national lead- the insurgent, Sgt. Gilboe delayed medical World’s Children Choir and McLean Little er in the furniture industry; where he serves as treatment to help secure the area and aid his League. Thanks to his tireless efforts, Kevin the director and chairman of the National Re- wounded comrades. has helped raise millions of dollars in funding tail Federation and director and is the former There is no question that that Sgt. Gilboe’s for these and other worthy organizations. chairman and president of the American Home actions saved the lives of his comrades that I have been privileged to know Kevin Fay Furnishings Alliance. The industry also in- day. His remarkable heroism and devotion to for many years and I have marveled at his ducted him into the American Furniture Hall of his fellow soldiers are an inspiration to all that generosity of spirit in his many volunteering Fame. know him or have heard his story. Beyond the capacities throughout our region. I know that While Farooq’s professional accomplish- great honor of the Silver Star, our nation owes our community has benefited greatly from his ments are impressive, his most laudable con- Sgt. Gilboe our everlasting thanks and appre- good deeds. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues tribution is his tireless dedication to foster ciation. I am proud and greatly humbled to to join me in commending Kevin Fay for being world peace and to bettering the lives of oth- stand here today and honor such an indi- named the 2012 recipient of the James L. ers. His humanitarian efforts extend to those vidual. Eichberg Lifetime Achievement Award, and to people displaced by conflict zones and who Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring offer our thanks for his lifetime of work on be- end up in refugee camps, and to those facing Sgt. Timothy Gilboe for his incredible heroism. half of others.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 15:41 Jun 09, 2016 Jkt 099102 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR11\E20DE1.000 E20DE1 ehiers on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD