[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 20 (Monday, February 2, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E173]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN HONOR OF BILL MELDRUM

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 2, 2009

  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Bill 
Meldrum, 53, captain of the trawler Lydia J, who tragically passed away 
on the morning of January 27 in a deck accident. Captain Meldrum, the 
secretary of the Board of Directors of the Point Pleasant Fisherman's 
Dock Cooperative, had been a fisherman in New Jersey for over 30 
years--20 years out of the Belford Seafood Co-Op in my district, and 10 
years out of Point Pleasant. He is described by the Fisherman's Dock 
Cooperative as ``having a heart of gold'' and ``one of their best.'' 
Captain Meldrum is survived by his wife, Isabel, whom he wed in August 
of 2008.
  Captain Meldrum purchased the Lydia J in 1989 with his friend Gary 
Traczyk. Already an experienced seaman, the purchase of the Lydia J 
allowed Captain Meldrum to continue sweeping the New Jersey coast for 
summer flounder, scallops, black flounder, whiting, and squid. The 
Lydia J was his pride and joy, and Captain Meldrum was known to stand 
tall and proud whenever he approached the 65 foot dragger.
  Recreational and commercial fishing is not only essential to the 
economy of New Jersey's sixth district, but is a way of life for many 
of its residents. A fisherman through and through, Captain Meldrum 
exemplified the blue-collar strength of New Jersey's coastal community. 
Not only was he able to live his dream and fish for a living, he was 
constantly giving back to his community. Captain Meldrum donated toys 
to children every Christmas and always took special care of his fellow 
fishermen.
  Madam Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in 
remembering the late Captain Meldrum. Everyday fishermen risk their 
lives on the open water to put food on our tables, and on Tuesday 
morning they lost one of their best in Bill Meldrum.

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