[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 12 (Tuesday, February 4, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE DEDICATED SERVICE OF BOB FERGUSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GLENN POSHARD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 4, 1997

  Mr. POSHARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedication 
and accomplishments of Mr. Bob Ferguson of Flora, IL. Born and raised 
in that community, Bob has devoted his entire life to helping his 
friends and neighbors in various capacities and has become the standard 
by which such service is measured. Last November Bob was named as the 
1996 Citizen of the Year by the Flora Chamber of Commerce, and I would 
like to extend my congratulations in regard to this honor as well as my 
thanks for his years of selflessness.
  Bob Ferguson understands the meaning of the word commitment. He 
exemplifies it, as his life has been a series of enduring 
relationships. After serving his country in the U.S. Navy, Bob married 
his wife Shirley in 1949 and has raised two daughters and been blessed 
with six grandchildren. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 32 
years while also serving as Flora City commissioner for over 12 years. 
His list of achievements in the community is too large to list in its 
entirety, but a sampling of its diversity is telling: Assistant Bible 
school superintendent with the First Christian Church, original 
organizer and board member of the Flora Bank & Trust, a charter member 
of the Clay County Historical Society, member of the Flora Elks Lodge, 
the American Legion, the VFW, Freemasonry, Clay County Shrine Club, and 
other like organizations, and cochairman of the Clay County Red Cross 
financial drive. His willingness to help when asked and his ability as 
a fundraiser and civic leader should inspire everyone who does not 
think they can make a difference through volunteering. Not only did he 
participate on the behalf of numerous worthy causes, but he directed 
his special talents to make these efforts especially fruitful. A 
person's time and energy are often the most valuable gifts they have to 
give, and in Bob's case it has resulted in a profound impact on an 
immeasurable number of lives.
  Mr. Speaker, as a public servant, I am extremely moved by the 
unselfish acts of others. Bob Ferguson is not only a good friend of 
mine and the entire 19th Congressional District of Illinois, but also 
an exemplary role model. I hope all of our citizens can follow his lead 
and look around them to see where they can make a difference. It is an 
honor to represent Bob in the U.S. Congress.

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