[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 11, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H3318]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING GEORGE W. ``BOB'' GILL

  (Mr. KLEIN of Florida asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
George W. ``Bob'' Gill, an extraordinary resident of my congressional 
district who helped build Fort Lauderdale into the world-renowned 
tourism destination it is today.
  Tourism is the economic engine of south Florida, and Mr. Gill was a 
pioneer in the field. After opening six area hotels over 60 years, he 
even earned the nickname ``the Dean of Fort Lauderdale tourism.'' Mr. 
Gill had a knack for marketing and a sharp business sense. His ideas 
helped to bring vacationing northerners to enjoy Fort Lauderdale's 
beautiful beaches. He created some of the most iconic hotels in south 
Florida, including the Yankee Clipper and the Jolly Roger, the first 
hotels in the area to offer air-conditioning way back in 1952.
  Mr. Speaker, Mr. Gill lived a long and rich life, passing away last 
week at the age of 93. Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughter 
Linda and all the friends and family that Mr. Gill left behind. He left 
an enduring legacy on south Florida, and Mr. Gill will be missed.

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