[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 67 (Thursday, May 25, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E831-E832]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING MR. GEORGE WILLIAM ROBERTSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 24, 2000

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize and honor the life of Mr. 
George William Robertson, a community activist in Southern Maryland 
fondly known simply as ``Capt. Billy.'' Captain Billy was born in 
Baltimore on June 12, 1930, and grew up along the Potomac River. By the 
age of 19, he knew he wanted to live off the water and built 
Robertson's Crabhouse on the Potomac shores in Popes Creek. He 
purchased Capt. Drink's restaurant in 1986 and renamed it Capt. 
Billy's.
  Captain Billy had many pastimes. In addition to his passions for the 
water and his restaurant, he owned Dahlgren Hardware Store in Virginia, 
was an avid horseman as he loved to race with friend Gene Euster, a 
zealous golfer, and a competitive bowler who was inducted into the 
Duckpin's Bowler's Hall of Fame. Another passion of his was cars, which 
he turned into a business by opening Capt. Billy's Auto Sales on U.S. 
301 in La Plata. Every week with friend Dave Phillips, he attended car 
auctions throughout Maryland and Pennsylvania.
  Captain Billy was diagnosed with gall bladder cancer in January 1999. 
Together with his friend Robert Mitchell, he sponsored a benefit golf 
tournament in August 1999 at Swan Point Golf Course in Issue. Four 
hundred golfers participated to raise $170,000 for the American Cancer 
Society. For his efforts to fight the

[[Page E832]]

disease, the American Cancer Society recently presented him with the 
Excalibur Award. In addition, he was a strong supporter of Civista 
Medical Center in La Plata. At the first Mardi Gras Ball sponsored by 
the Physicians Memorial Hospital Foundation, he was crowned ``King 
Rex.'' Robertson also raised money for Richard R. Clark Senior Center 
in La Plata, Hospice of Charles County, United Way of Charles County, 
Melwood, local churches and schools, and supported Newburg Volunteer 
Rescue Squad, Bel Alton Volunteer Fire Department, and local softball 
and baseball leagues.
  In closing Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this moment to speak on 
behalf of the people of Southern Maryland, for whom Captain Billy gave 
so much, and thank him for all that he has done to benefit our 
community and our country. We remember his life and the memories he has 
given us. On behalf of the people of my district, thank you Captain 
Billy.

                          ____________________