[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 117 (Friday, September 10, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S10736]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              MR. AND MRS. PETER AND PAT COOK PROCLAMATION

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, It gives me great pleasure to rise 
today and honor two outstanding Republican visionaries and admired 
civic leaders, Mr. and Mrs. Peter and Pat Cook, on the occasion of the 
Gerald R. Ford Republican Women's Club, Annual Fall Reception on 
September 13, 1999.
  Peter Cook began his professional career with Import Motors Limited 
Inc., where he was named President in 1954. In 1977, with his typical 
entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking, Peter Cook formed 
Transitional Motors Inc., also known as Mazda Great Lakes, where he 
currently sits as chairman of the board and majority stockholder. 
Additionally, Mr. Cook serves on the boards for numerous companies, 
most notably, Gospel Communications, Woodland International, Applied 
Image Technology and the new Van Andel Institute. In the past he served 
as chairman of the South Y.M.C.A. and the Kent County Republican 
Finance Committee.
  Pat Cook has always been very supportive of her husband's career. In 
the late 1950's she took it upon herself to help deliver some of the 
first Volkswagens to dealers in Midland and Detroit. After the birth of 
their two children, Tom and Steve, Mrs. Cook stayed at home and 
continued in a voluntary capacity to enrich her community. She has 
served on the boards of Welcome Home for the Blind, Blodgett Hospital 
Guild and Porter Hills Ladies Auxiliary.
  Perhaps what is most truly admirable and wonderful about Mr. and Mrs. 
Cook is their dedication to helping the lives of others and the Grand 
Rapids community. They made the leading gift establishing the Research 
and Education Institute of Butterworth Hospital. Mr. and Mrs. Cook are 
active members of the Grace Reformed Church and much of their support 
is focused toward youth and Christian institutions. They have helped 
make possible the construction of the carillon on the Grand Valley 
State University campus; they have worked with Aquinas College students 
in making a new Student Center; and they have also contributed greatly 
to the Hope College Student Housing Center and Cook Valley Estates for 
the Porter Hills Presbyterian Village.
  Mr. and Mrs. Cook lead their lives as an example to others by being 
strong Christians, distinguished philanthropists, and dedicated 
citizens. Their countless efforts and support will continue to benefit 
the community for many years to come.
  Mr. President it is with sincere joy and appreciation that I honor 
Peter and Pat Cook. Rarely do you see two people who have unselfishly 
done so much to help others.

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