[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 41 (Friday, March 22, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E430-E431]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO R. HUGH ``PAT'' UHLMANN

                                 ______


                          HON. KAREN McCARTHY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 22, 1996

  Ms. McCARTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
distinguished business and civic leader, R. Hugh ``Pat'' Uhlmann, who 
would have celebrated his 80th birthday Sunday, March 17. Born on St. 
Patrick's Day

[[Page E431]]

1916, Mr. Uhlmann died February 7, 1996 having contributed his 
generosity and kindness to our community throughout those years. Mr. 
Uhlmann always will be remembered as a renaissance man with a bright 
mind and warm heart. His principal in life defined his every action: 
what is hateful to you, do not do unto others.
  A talented and highly successful businessman, Mr. Uhlmann spent 50 
years as a member of the Kansas City Board of Trade, where he began his 
career as a grain trader in 1938. He was president in 1960-61. After 
serving our Nation during World War II, Mr. Uhlmann rejoined Uhlmann 
Grain Co. Later, he was vice-president of Midland Flour Milling Co. 
before buying control of Standard Milling Co. with his father and 
brother, Paul, in 1951. The name was changed to the Uhlmann Co. in 
1981. He served as president, chairman, and chairman emeritus.
  Mr. Uhlmann was a trail blazer for Jewish Kansas Citians. He was 
often the first Jewish person appointed to boards or accepted into 
business and social clubs in Kansas City, opening the door for others 
who would follow. Mr. Uhlmann encouraged many Kansas City businesses to 
hire their first Jewish employee. Mr. Uhlmann was also committed to 
opening doors for other minorities. He was a voice for tolerance who 
spoke quietly, but effectively. Many families and individuals of all 
backgrounds have been touched by Mr. Uhlmann's sincere interest in 
helping others. One son recalls a winter day when he watched from a 
window as his father gave a stranger outside the coat he was wearing. 
When queried, Mr. Uhlmann explained that the man had just lost his job, 
was down on his luck, and needed the coat far more than he did.
  Mr. Uhlmann's energy and generosity will have a lasting effect on our 
community. He was a founding member of Friends of the Zoo, president of 
the Friends of Art, a trustee of Children's Mercy Hospital, Rockhurst 
College and a contributing member of many other civic, religious, 
cultural and educational institutions.
  His unique blend of humor and intellect led to opportunities as a 
radio commentator and columnist. His love of life was displayed through 
numerous hobbies; reading, gardening, cooking, golfing, fishing, and 
horseback riding. Longtime friend Henry Bloch of H&R Block said that 
Mr. Uhlmann often served lunches in his office and that it was an honor 
to be invited. These lunches were an opportunity for lively exchange of 
ideas and commentary on key issues and a chance to experience Mr. 
Uhlmann's culinary talent. Mr. Uhlmann took up painting at age 74 and 
won awards for his work. Mr. Uhlmann left this world with a lifetime of 
exhilarating experiences unmatched by most people.
  His most lasting legacy is his family. Mr. Uhlmann said he knew when 
he met his wife, Helen Jane, 57 years ago that they would marry. Theirs 
was a marriage of unconditional love, loyalty, and fun that makes most 
enviable. In the written memorial Mr. Uhlmann wrote of Helen Jane: ``I 
sit here with tears in my eyes thinking how close we have been and what 
a beautiful life we have had . . . When I found out about my cancer, 
her love, concern, encouragement and high spirits that she put on for 
my benefit have made it possible for me to go on.'' Pat and Helen 
Jane's three children, Patricia Rich, John and Robert, are the pride of 
his life. While Pat also adored his seven grandchildren he loved all 
children. He enjoyed telling wonderful stories and he had a way of 
bringing out the child in all of us.
  Pat Uhlmann has been an inspiration in my life and has enriched the 
people of Kansas City in ways few individuals have ever achieved. He 
will indeed be missed.

                          ____________________