[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 38 (Friday, March 21, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E554]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN HONOR OF A GREAT MAN OF THE BENCH: FRED BORCHARD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 20, 1997

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man of 
great distinction from Saginaw, MI--the Honorable Fred J. Borchard, who 
is celebrating 50 years in the judicial profession. Saginaw is 
extremely lucky to have a man like Fred Borchard serve on its bench. He 
has a great judicial mind, believes in the values of hard work and 
education, runs a disciplined and efficient courtroom, and tempers his 
decisions with compassion and common sense.
  Fred Borchard grew up in Saginaw and put himself through the 
University of Michigan Law School by working at boiler and iron metal 
companies. Upon graduation, his law practice was put on hold almost 
immediately by World War II. Fred signed up with the U.S. Naval Reserve 
as an ensign, and then became a forward observer, where he went ashore 
in search of enemy gunfire and then signaled naval guns for fire power. 
He participated in landings at Leyte and Luzon, and then Okinawa where 
he was wounded by sniper fire. Fred received the Purple Heart Medal for 
his courage and commitment to this country.
  Upon returning to Saginaw 3 years later, Fred won the seat of 
municipal judge, which he held for 7 years until he ran and won the 
position of probate judge. In 1958, 4 years later, then Governor G. 
Mennen Williams appointed Fred to the Saginaw circuit bench, making 
Fred one of few to serve in all three judicial posts.
  Fred's long and auspicious career ended on January 1, 1989 at which 
time he was the oldest judge in the State of Michigan, a distinction he 
still holds since he continues serving on assignment. Fred also has the 
honor of being considered the Lou Gehrig of the bench, as he has the 
longest term of service.
  In addition to his professional involvement with the Saginaw County 
and Michigan Bar Associations, and the Michigan Judges Association, 
where he served as president, Fred makes it a priority to be involved 
in civil organizations. He served as president of the University of 
Michigan Club, and belonged to the Kiwanis Club of Saginaw and the 
Arthur Hill Letterman's Club. He has served on the board of directors 
of St. Luke's Hospital and on the board of directors for the Saginaw 
County Chamber of Commerce and the Alcohol Information Center. He also 
involves himself with Big Brothers of America, the Lutheran Children's 
Friend Society, and numerous veterans organizations.
  Fred Borchard is a credit to the legal profession and to the 
community. I am extremely proud to know him and to say that we have 
both represented the people in Saginaw.

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