[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 86 (Wednesday, June 20, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1160-E1161]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM L. PORTEOUS OF REED CITY, MICHIGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DAVE CAMP

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 20, 2001

  Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to William L. 
Porteous of Reed City, Michigan, who recently received the Reed City 
High School Distinguished Alumni Award. Mr. Porteous was recognized 
with this honor because he embodies the characteristics that school 
districts would like to instill in young people today: dedication to 
educational excellence and life-long learning; motivation to success; 
integrity in one's chosen field; commitment to serve the community one 
resides in; and recognition by one's peers of abilities far beyond 
ordinary.
  I would like to congratulate Mr. Porteous and draw the attention of 
my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives and my constituents 
in the 4th Congressional District to Mr. Porteous' distinguished life 
and career as well as his extraordinary community involvement.
  After graduating from Reed City High School in 1937, Mr. Porteous 
attended Michigan State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts 
degree in Business Administration. Then in 1941, he joined the United 
States Army serving during World War II. After he was discharged from 
the military, he enrolled at the University of Michigan earning a 
Masters of Business Administration.
  In 1948, Mr. Porteous returned to Reed City with his wife Mable and 
began his 42-year banking career at the Reed City State Bank, where he 
eventually became the president and Chairman of the Board. Under his 
leadership, the small community bank grew to one with nearly $60 
million in assets which Mr. Porteous successfully merged with the First 
Michigan Bank of Zeeland.
  While Mr. Porteous was a success in his professional life, he also 
made a significant impact on the Reed City community and its children. 
Mr. Porteous always took a leading role whenever a new school had to be 
built or when a school building needed improvements. Not only was he 
generous with his time and talents, but with his financial resources as 
well.
  Mr. Porteous also must be commended for serving his community by 
volunteering through numerous organizations, including the Boy Scouts, 
Reed City VFW Post, Rotary International, Eagle Village, Inc. and other 
civic organizations.
  I am honored today to recognize Mr. Porteous as an outstanding 
citizen whose admirable qualities make him an outstanding role model 
for his community.

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