[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 131 (Tuesday, November 16, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1988]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 REMEMBERING WILLARD T. ``BILL'' HODGE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. TIMOTHY V. JOHNSON

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 16, 2004

  Mr. JOHNSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, on September 21, 2004, Willard 
T. ``Bill'' Hodge got on his tractor to clear some brush and weeds from 
his farm. It would be the last time this prolific farmer would tend to 
his historic and treasured land, but his contributions to agriculture 
in Illinois will be remembered for many harvests to come.
  Bill Hodge started farming in Champaign County in 1956 on his farm in 
Seymour, Illinois, which to this day remains one of the oldest farms in 
the county. In the 1970's, Bill served on the Champaign County Zoning 
Board where he had the opportunity to venture from township to township 
listening to the concerns of area farmers. Mr. Hodge used this 
experience to come to Washington, DC to tell agriculture's story to 
members of Congress. He also served on former Representative Ed 
Madigan's Farm Advisory Committee.
  In 1981, The News Gazette named Bill Hodge Farm Leader of the Year. 
He served on the Champaign County Forest Preserve District from 1987 to 
1993 during which he was credited for leading the district stably and 
successfully.
  Bill Hodge cared deeply about what was good for his fellow farmer. 
This intertwined with his interest in local politics as he made 
successful efforts to get his colleagues involved in the process.
  While many in Champaign County feel the loss of Bill Hodge, comfort 
can be taken in the fact that he passed away on a gorgeous Tuesday in 
September doing what he loved the most. Whether it was tending to his 
own farm or helping the agriculture community in Champaign County, Bill 
Hodge always left the land in better shape than he found it.
  He will truly be missed.

                          ____________________