[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 158 (Thursday, November 15, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2089-E2090]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO TOM J. DONOHO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES H. TAYLOR

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 15, 2001

  Mr. TAYLOR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise and 
commend one of Western North Carolina's and Buncombe County's finest 
citizens, the late Tom J. Donoho, ``The big man with the big heart.'' 
Tom passed away on November 6, 2001. He was a personal friend of mine 
for many years, and he will be sorely missed.
  Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Tom's family moved to North 
Carolina where he graduated from Biltmore High School in 1952. As an 
alumnus of Biltmore High School, saving the school from destruction 
became a pet project of Tom's in recent years. Last June the WNC 
Historical Association acquired the deed, and Tom sought my help for 
$300,000 for the ``Biltmore School Museum,'' which was provided in the 
2002 Interior Appropriation.
  After high school, Tom served in the United States Army and twelve 
years in the National Guard and Reserves. He was a man who loved his 
country, his community, and his people. Tom supported the East 
Asheville Youth Program for the past 47 years, giving freely of his 
time, materials, labor and money to this program, not for recognition 
but because he loved young people. Together, Tom and his wife Betty 
founded Asheville Electric forty years ago, building it into a thriving 
business, of which Tom was President, employing about 35 people.
  When the new Reynolds High School was built, it was Tom Donoho who 
offered to wire the school, and he drove to Kansas to get the famous 
``Rocket''--an Army surplus ``Honest John'' rocket--which he helped 
mount at the entrance to the school and is the school's mascot. Tom 
provided the lighting for the school's football and baseball stadiums.
  Tom took an active part in politics in Asheville and Buncombe County. 
For many years he contributed to the campaigns of good men and women 
who ran for public office and stood as a candidate for Asheville City 
Council in 1989. He was well known for donning an apron and cooking at 
fundraisers for local candidates.
  In addition to being a well-known businessman, Tom served two four-
year terms on the Asheville Regional Airport Authority. During that 
time he served as vice-chairman, chairman of the building and grounds 
committee, and employee relations committee. He was also a Shriner with 
the Oasis Temple and a member of the Biltmore Masonic Lodge, Asheville 
York Rite and the Asheville Scottish Rite.
  Tom married Betty Brittain 43 years ago, they reared two children: 
Susan Donoho Martin of Asheville and Daniel Woron of Florida.

[[Page E2090]]

  Tom Donoho was a big man with an even bigger heart. WNC and Buncombe 
County have lost a very good friend and we will miss him. I know that 
my colleagues will join me in saluting this fine man and community 
leader.

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