[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 81 (Monday, June 14, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1105]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JORDIE TATTER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 14, 2004

  Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a dear friend 
of mine, Jordie Tatter, who unexpectedly passed away in January 2003. 
Today, I am pleased that the conference center at the Southwest 
Michigan Research and Extension Center is being dedicated to Jordie. 
This is a great honor for my friend; however because of votes in the 
House today, I can not be at the dedication ceremony this afternoon in 
Berrien County.
  As this dedication confirms, Jordie was a giant in the agricultural 
and natural resources industries. His commitment and enthusiasm to 
excellence in the field of agriculture was unmatched, whether it be at 
the local, national, and yes, even international level. He truly 
embodied the heart and soul of southwest Michigan, and I am blessed to 
have formed a close friendship. I looked at this friendship, not only 
as a source of console and inspiration, but also as a true compass of 
direction in greater understanding and appreciation of our community.
  I have never met a man more passionate or knowledgeable toward the 
industry he loved--Michigan agriculture. Jordie was always willing to 
lend his extensive knowledge to those interested, and his great mind 
benefited all who had the pleasure of crossing his path. I was 
fortunate enough to call Jordie a close friend. During the time that I 
had with him, I relied on his insight and intelligence. He was kind and 
supportive--even more so when times were tough. Jordie's love of his 
work, the outdoors, the Farm Bureau, and Michigan State University, 
will be deeply remembered and this dedication is yet another reminder 
of his immense impact on our community.
  We all miss Jordie greatly but his legacy lives on at the Extension 
Center, as others continue to follow in his footsteps in the 
agriculture community. He will always live on through our many 
wonderful memories that will not fade away.

                          ____________________