[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 81 (Thursday, June 23, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 23, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
    GLENS FALLS, NY, MOURNS LOSS OF OTTO WAHL, SR., FORMER YMCA HEAD

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                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 23, 1994

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to say a few words about a man 
whose recent loss is mourned by everyone who knew him, Otto F. Wahl, 
Sr., of Glens Falls, NY.
  Mr. Wahl was for many years executive director of the Glens Falls 
YMCA and held several posts in city government. But when I think of 
Otto Wahl, I think of a man who, without fanfare or recognition, made a 
difference in his community by being unfailingly generous with his 
time.
  Mr. Wahl was an outstanding high school athlete who went on to serve 
as an Air Force cryptographer in World War II and earn a bachelor's 
degree from Syracuse University. He became associated with the Glens 
Falls YMCA in 1956, serving in such capacities as physical director, 
program director, assistant director, and finally executive director 
from 1970 to 1973.
  He was instrumental in building the new Glens Falls YMCA in 1969. He 
also organized and coached YMCA Northeast District championship swim 
teams. His learn-to-swim campaigns ultimately involved thousands of 
local youngsters. Mr. Wahl also organized summer camping programs for 
underprivileged children.
  The Glens Falls Optimist Club singled him out for his devotion to 
area youth, especially with the Optimist-sponsored Youth Appreciation 
Day and the Optimist Youth Basketball League. Older Americans were also 
beneficiaries of his civic spirit when he served as an active member of 
the Glens Falls Senior Citizen Center.
  Mr. Wahl worked for the city as special-projects assistant from 1978 
to 1982 and personnel officer from 1983 to 1987.
  When he retired in 1973, the YMCA board of directors, in expressing 
their appreciation, noted that Wahl, ``labored long and faithfully, 
many times far beyond the call of duty.''
  That's why, Mr. Speaker, I'm taking this opportunity to see that this 
man receives his due recognition. I ask everyone to join me in 
expressing our sympathies to his wife, Jane, and to the rest of the 
family, and in paying our last respects to a great friend and a great 
American, Otto Wahl, Sr., of Glens Falls, NY.

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