[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 111 (Friday, August 7, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1638]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO GIBBY WALES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 7, 1998

  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, on April 12 and 13 of this year, American 
flags in the state of Michigan were lowered on all public facilities 
for a fitting tribute to a dedicated public servant from the Upper 
Peninsula of Michigan. Gilbert Wales, better known as Gibby by an 
adoring community, and one of Michigan's most beloved lifetime 
residents died on April 10 at the age of 76. He was a loving husband, 
dedicated father, fellow state representative and longtime friend of 
mine. So I stand before you today, Mr. Speaker, to commemorate the life 
of Gibby Wales.
  In honoring the memory of Gibby I feel there are a few things that I 
must call attention to, a few memories that, as I am sure, everyone who 
knew Gibby will agree with me on, must be mentioned. One of these was 
Gibby's fascination with sports. Gibby was truly a sports fanatic. He 
seemed to enjoy it most, though, when he could share his excitement and 
enthusiasm with others. He was very successful in spreading his love of 
sports in many different ways, whether it be by working for an 
organization in which he was able to advance athletics through 
scholarships and grants, personally mentoring a child in the fine art 
of free throws or simply swapping the play of the day stories with 
friends and neighbors. I am inclined to believe that if Gibby gets his 
way in heaven, those Pearly Gates will open up into a basketball arena.
  But Gibby was most renowned for his active role in local and state 
politics in Michigan. After he graduated from Stambaugh High School, he 
fought in World War II as a member of the Field Artillery. He then 
dabbled in local politics. But it wasn't until he began working as a 
miner at M.A. Hanna Company in Stambaugh that his political career took 
off. Like many miners during that time, he was disappointed in the way 
his state representative was handling mining safety issues. Being a 
natural leader, Gibby decided to do something about it. He ran for a 
seat in the Michigan House of Representatives and was elected and 
reelected for five consecutive terms. Gibby committed himself to insure 
that democracy would work for everybody. His ten years work in the 
state house and his political philosophy are still greatly admired and 
appreciated throughout the state of Michigan.
  In 1990 I had the pleasure to personally consult with and work with 
Gibby on my own campaign. He was an active supporter of mine and he 
quickly became a good friend and mentor to me. On numerous occasions, I 
would seek advice from him on both a personal and professional basis. 
It has been an honor and a privilege for me to have known such a 
wonderful individual and to be able to share with all of my colleagues 
my deep admiration for one of Michigan's finest public servants. 
Although it is with a heavy heart that I give my condolences to his 
wife Verna, his children Wayne, Nancy, Peggy, and Sally, and his three 
sisters, it is with pride that I salute this outstanding citizen of our 
nation. Gilbert Wales will be missed.

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