[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 1 (Wednesday, January 3, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E8]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    ALEC COURTELIS, AN AMERICAN HERO

                                 ______


                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 3, 1996

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to a true 
American hero, Miami civic leader Alec Courtelis, who died last week 
after a courageous 2-year struggle against cancer. My sincere 
condolences go to his wife Louise, son Pan, daughter Kiki, and sister 
Danae Voyazis.
  As former President Bush said after this unfortunate loss to our 
Nation and south Florida, ``Who says there are no heroes any more? Just 
look at the life and legacy of Alec Courtelis.'' Although 68 years old 
and in a fight for his life with pancreatic cancer, Alec continued his 
tireless work for the many causes in which he believed.
  The story of Alec Courtelis' life is an inspiration for all those who 
know that the American dream is still a reality for anyone, regardless 
of their background. An immigrant who came to this country from 
Alexandria, Egypt, Alec always rejoiced in America's unlimited 
opportunities. He lived his life by the motto that ``nothing is 
impossible in America.''
  He emigrated to Miami in 1948, a city that has welcomed many 
immigrants from around the world. After earning his engineering degree 
at the University of Miami, his company helped build many prominent 
commercial and residential developments in south Florida, including the 
Falls shopping center.
  A successful self-made businessman, he gave much back to the Nation 
and our community which had given this opportunity. He raised funds for 
the cause of education in Florida, including the University of Miami 
and the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. As State 
University Chancellor Charles Reed said, ``No one in Florida has made a 
greater contribution to the betterment of this State than Alec 
Courtelis.''
  But the greatest example he set for all of us was in the last years 
of his life when he showed what real courage is all about. He took the 
time to give great encouragement to many cancer patients in their fight 
with this dread disease, showing them that through positive mind-
therapy, they could win against this disease.
  Like the man in Rudyard Kipling's poem ``If,'' which was used in his 
funeral services, Alec Courtelis truly showed that:

     If you can fill the unforgiving minute
     With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
     Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
     And--which is more--you'll be a Man, my son!

                          ____________________