[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 18 (Tuesday, February 2, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E109]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO THE LATE GEORGE GOLDT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM SAXTON

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 2, 1999

  Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my good 
friend, the late George Goldt, a man known far and wide as ``the gentle 
giant.''
  As Undersheriff of Ocean County, George met Michael Gillick, a young 
cancer patient, and took him under his wing, naming Michael ``Honorary 
Sheriff.` In fact, when Michael was honored, even standing on a chair, 
he only reached George's waist. It was his interest in Michael that led 
to George's wanting to learn more about kids with cancer.
  George Goldt and Linda Gillick, Michael's mother, joined forced and 
began the organization, Ocean of Love, aptly named by George for Ocean 
County and for the love he felt for the kids. Starting with 12 
children, Ocean of Love now helps over 200 afflicted children and their 
families.
  A person who never had to be asked twice, George Goldt worked 
tirelessly in behalf of the young people he loved and cared so much 
for. In fact, his last earthly act was trying to obtain food for a 
needy family, when he was felled by a heart attack at a very young age.
  He was instrumental in coordinating fund raisers, and always 
preferred to remain in the background, never seeking credit for his 
actions.
  The spirit of George Goldt, the gentle giant, will always be a large 
part of Ocean of Love due to his efforts in behalf of kids in need.
  I remember George best during the years he served as President of the 
Manchester Township Republican Club. During those years George and his 
wife Bev were among my most avid and energetic supporters. George knew 
what should be accomplished and made sure it was, and almost always 
without me even asking. The success of the club and the candidates it 
supported under his leadership speak volumes about George.
  The recipient of this year's Ocean of Love Public Service Award, 
George Goldt is truly deserving of this posthumous honor, and of the 
love and gratitude of the community.

                          ____________________