[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 56 (Wednesday, April 9, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E557]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE LATE CHARLES W. DURHAM OF OMAHA, NEBRASKA

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                             HON. LEE TERRY

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 9, 2008

  Mr. TERRY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Charles W. 
Durham of Omaha, who died this past weekend at the age of 90.
  Charles ``Chuck'' Durham was one of Omaha's outstanding residents. He 
was a community leader, visionary, philanthropist, businessman, and 
family man. He loved the City of Omaha, and all of us in the community 
loved Chuck and Margre Durham for their humble, genuine ways, in 
addition to their many gifts to our city.
  Chuck Durham was raised in Ames, Iowa and attended Iowa State 
University, where he acquired two important assets--a degree in 
engineering and his wife and lifelong companion, Margre Henningson. He 
joined the Omaha-based engineering firm of Margre's dad and built the 
firm into one of America's largest engineering firms--HDR Inc.
  HDR Inc., under the leadership of Chuck Durham, became an 
international powerhouse architectural and engineering firm, designing 
medical, military, and public works projects around the world. One area 
of expertise of the firm was designing hospitals and medical 
facilities, and many of our Omaha hospitals, notably Omaha Methodist 
Hospital were designed by HDR Inc.
  The Durham Research Center at the University of Nebraska Medical 
Center in midtown Omaha is one of the most advanced medical research 
centers in the world, but it is just one of the facilities in Omaha 
that benefited from the generosity of Chuck and Margre Durham. The 
Henry Doorly Zoo, the Durham Museum, and the Durham Science Center at 
the University of Nebraska--Omaha are among many facilities that Chuck 
Durham brought to reality. Finally, we will always remember the many 
photos of Chuck with his faithful dog, Tina, at his side--a lasting 
symbol of his love and concern for animals and their welfare.
  Madam Speaker, Chuck's vision, energy, and the sharing of his 
resources with our community will be a part of Omaha forever. We mourn 
his passing, as we celebrate his life among us. Robyn and I extend our 
heartfelt sympathies and prayers to his children, Steve, Sunny, Lindy, 
and Debby during this time of loss.

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