[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 61 (Monday, April 3, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E756-E757]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         TRIBUTE TO BOB HUNTER

                                 ______


                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 3, 1995
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, April 1, 1995, the First 
Annual Bob Hunter Memorial Flounder Tournament was held at the Clam Hut 
Restaurant in Highland, NJ. There was a spring flounder weigh-in and 
other activities, with proceeds benefiting the environmental 
organization Clean Ocean Action. While there have been and will 
continue to be many diverse tributes to the late Bob Hunter, I cannot 
think of one more fitting in epitomizing what Mr. Hunter's life meant 
to his many friends and well-wishers on the Jersey shore.
  Bob Hunter has been nominated for New Jersey's prestigious Pinnacle 
Award for Excellence by a number of individuals and organizations who 
have all been helped and supported by him through the years. Throughout 
his life, he was a tireless booster of his native State--for example, 
his restaurant always offered a wide variety of New Jersey wines, while 
he always made sure Jersey seafood was served at the promotional 
festivals he helped organize. His death last October has left a void 
that has been deeply felt, most acutely by his widow, Lynn, and his two 
daughters, Maggie and Elizabeth, but also by many others who had the 
privilege of working with him or were just lucky enough to meet him at 
the Clam Hut.
  Bob Hunter was born in Red Bank, NJ, and lived all his life in the 
nearby town of Rumson. Nineteen years ago, he was named general manager 
of the Clam Hut, one of the leading restaurants in a town noted for 
fine restaurants. In the intervening years, he, along with his wife of 
17 years, Lynn Shugard, whose father founded the business, brought the 
waterfront restaurant from a beachfront stand to its present capacity 
of more than 300 diners in three inside rooms and an outdoor deck 
overlooking the Shrewsbury River. As general manager, Mr. Hunter also 
became involved in both the State and national restaurant associations, 
firmly believing that restaurants were central to New Jersey's tourism 
[[Page E757]] and its overall economy. During his 16 years with the 
association, Bob rose through the ranks as a member of the board of 
directors and eventually as president.
  Bob also maintained an active involvement with the promotional 
activities at Sandy Hook, the Gateway National Recreation Area facility 
adjacent to Highlands, known and loved by people from all over New 
Jersey. He could always be counted on to help any cause to promote New 
Jersey. He participated in Governor Whitman's Sampling in Atlantic City 
prior to her inauguration, frequently hosted Bayshore Development 
Office meetings for the Department of Commerce, and offered his 
restaurant for any event to advance tourism in New Jersey. He was a 
long-time member of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce, and brought a 
special passion to maintaining the lively waterfront business 
community. In his home town of Rumson, Bob coached Pop Warner football, 
served on the zoning board of adjustment, was treasurer of the 
Republican Club and was a Republican committeeman for many years. 
Notwithstanding his Republican affiliation, Bob maintained close ties 
with officials from both political parties--always willing to work with 
anyone who shared his devotion to improving the economy and quality of 
life on the Jersey Shore.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a truly an honor for me to pay tribute to Bob 
Hunter, a good man and a great leader who made a difference for our 
community.


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