[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 122 (Friday, October 1, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1763]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING WILLIAM OSTASH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 30, 2004

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today on behalf of the 
Michigan State Polka Music Hall of Fame to honor the late Mr. William 
Ostash of Bay City, Michigan for his contributions to the Polka Music 
Industry. On October 3, 2004 the Michigan State Polka Music Industry 
will honor Mr. William Ostash by inducting him into the Polka Music 
Hall of Fame.
  William Ostash was born in Saskatchan, Canada on December 11, 1915 to 
Michael and Anna Ostash. In December of 1926, William and his family 
moved to Bay City, Michigan. At a young age William along with his 
siblings learned the value of music from their father, who was a well-
known violinist in his native country of Ukraine. William who was a 
self-taught accordion player, performed with the family Orchestra for 
many years. The Ostash Orchestra music was so popular that it gained 
airtime on radio station WBCM. History has it that William was one of 
the first to incorporate the accordion into polka music. Another note 
worthy of mentioning is that William was also a master at performing 
the march called ``Under the Double Eagle'', and according to his 
family audiences were always amazed at how he could play this tune 
using his left hand, the bass side, with 120 buttons.
  Aside from his musical career, William was a devoted husband to his 
lovely wife Julie, whom he married on May 3, 1941. To this union were 
born two sons, James and Ronald. On April 8, 2002 Julie Ostash passed 
away, and William passed on July 20, 2002. William was a legend and 
true contributor to the Polka Musical Industry. His contributions will 
be forever cherished.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join 
me in honoring the life and legacy of Mr. William Ostash who devoted 
many years to Polka Music Industry. May he rest in peace.

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