[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 171 (Wednesday, November 1, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S16510]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO PETER ZUANICH, RETIRING PORT OF BELLINGHAM COMMISSIONER

 Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, it is with great pleasure that I 
rise today to pay tribute to Peter Zuanich, a man who has devoted 43 
years of his life to serving as an elected commissioner of the Port of 
Bellingham, in my home State of Washington. His record of public 
service extends beyond his work as port commissioner; he has dedicated 
time and resources to building our community in so many other 
capacities.
  During his tenure in this post, he has cultivated economic and trade 
relations both domestically and internationally. In particular, he has 
fostered economic relations between the states of Washington and 
Alaska. Under his leadership, the port was successful in its bid to 
become the southern ferry terminus for the Alaska Marine Highway 
System.
  Throughout his entire career as commissioner, Mr. Zuanich did not 
spend any of the earnings he received. Instead, he invested them, 
believing they should eventually be spent on an important community 
project. He recently donated the entire amount--about $88,000--to a 
fund created to raise money for the construction of a local community 
swimming pool.
  In addition to his many accomplishments as port commissioner, Mr. 
Zuanich has served as president of a variety of groups, including the 
board of directors of the Purse Seine Vessels Association, the 
executive board of the Commercial Fisherman's Inter-Insurance Agency, 
the Bellingham Jaycees, and the Washington Public Ports Association.
  I admire the foresight Mr. Zuanich exhibited in his early involvement 
with the recycling industry. During the 1950's, he founded the first 
waste paper recycling facility in western Canada. His activism in this 
area has continued, through the establishment of recycling centers 
throughout our community, and I want to thank him for his efforts in 
this area.
  He has been recognized in these professional and community 
involvements in many ways, winning the Bellingham Jaycees' Man of the 
Year Award, receiving the Master Mariner Award of the Propeller Club, 
accepting a Legislative Citation in 1993 from the Alaska State 
Legislature, and receiving a ``Citation of Merit'' award from the 
Washington Parks and Recreation Association.
  Born in Bellingham, WA in 1916, he has worked tirelessly to promote 
the development of our community. Following his retirement, Mr. Zuanich 
will have more time to spend with his family, including his wife Marie 
and two sons, Robert and Peter, Jr.
   I am proud to salute the leadership and dedication Mr. Zuanich has 
demonstrated throughout his life. Although he will be retiring on 
December 31, I am certain his record of selfless service will continue 
far into the years ahead. His hard work and philanthropy truly make him 
a role model for all. Mr. Zuanich, please accept my best wishes as you 
enter not only the conclusion of one of your careers, but the beginning 
of a new chapter of your life.

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