[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 106 (Tuesday, June 27, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1335]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    IN MEMORY OF JOHN B. VEACH, SR.

                                 ______


                         HON. CHARLES H. TAYLOR

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 27, 1995
  Mr. TAYLOR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
very special person from western North Carolina, John ``Jack'' B. 
Veach, Sr. Jack passed away on Thursday, June 19, at the age of 95. 
With great sadness, I offer my condolences to his wife Jane, and his 
son, John B. Veach, Jr. Jack was a pioneer in North Carolina's timber 
industry and one of the great leaders of the community.
  Jack was respected by those in commerce and public service for his 
outstanding leadership and great inspiration to all the people of North 
Carolina. His energy and love for helping those in the community kept 
him involved in public service up to the final days of his life. Much 
of his success in business and politics can be attributed to the fact 
that he was a true gentleman.
  Jack was nationally known for his work as a forester in the timber 
industry. He was past president of Appalachian Hardwood Manufactures 
Inc., American Forest Products Industries, National Manufacturers 
Association, North Carolina Forestry Association, and Asheville Area 
Chamber of Commerce. He was voted Man of the Year by the Southern 
Hardwood Lumber Association, and twice voted Man of the Year by the 
North Carolina Forestry Association. In 1985, the Southern Appalachian 
Multiple Use Council honored Jack for having the most influence over 
western North Carolina forestry during the past 50 years. In 1993, he 
was inducted into the Western North Carolina Agricultural Hall of Fame 
as a forester and civic leader. His strongest efforts were always 
centered toward the regeneration of the forests in western North 
Carolina. These efforts led to the creation of the Cradle of Forestry 
Discovery Center, where others could be taught forestry and 
environmental stewardship. In 1987, Jack was named to the Forestry 
Advisory Council, that reviews forestry division programs.
  Jack's other interests included his businesses and helping the 
community. He was a cofounder and chairman of Western Carolina Bank and 
a past director of Carolina Power & Light Co. At one time, he operated 
Benis Hardware Lumber Co., Williams-Bronwell planing mill, Educational 
Lumber, and Veach-May-Wilson, Inc. Jack was chairman of the United Way 
of Asheville and Buncombe County. He was a member of the All Saints 
Church in Mills River and an integral part of the Republican Party.
  Jack Veach was an innovator in the timber industry and a leader in 
the community. His energy and excitement motivated our community. The 
loss of this remarkable man will be felt by all.


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