[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 165 (Friday, November 6, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2739]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING ROBERT ``BOB'' WILLIAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 6, 2009

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Speaker, I would like to honor Mr. Robert 
``Bob'' Williams, a long-time resident of The Woodlands, Texas, and a 
dear friend. The Woodlands was lucky enough to gain Mr. Williams as a 
resident when he moved from Chicago after being director of the Chicago 
YMCA for 25 years. It wasn't long after Mr. Williams came to The 
Woodlands, that he helped establish the first YMCA.
  Among Mr. Williams' firsts in The Woodlands are that he was a 
founding member of the Woodlands Community Presbyterian Church and one 
of the original Hometown Heroes of The Woodlands--he was awarded this 
honor because of his commitment to the community. Mr. Williams is an 
Eagle Scout, World War II veteran, and lifelong Kiwanis Club member.
  Mr. Williams has been very active in the Kiwanis Club in The 
Woodlands from the beginning. He founded The Woodlands' first Kiwanis 
Club and has served the club and the community for 53 years as a highly 
distinguished member. Mr. Williams has directed The Woodlands' Kiwanis 
Prayer Breakfast for 18 years. He also helped charter the Kiwanis Key 
Clubs in four Woodlands High Schools to teach our young students how 
important it is to serve your community. His life was a direct example 
for those students because they saw him serving others tirelessly--and 
well past retirement.
  Mr. Williams has a heart for youth and spent his life encouraging 
them-- through Kiwanis Key Clubs, Special Olympics, and the YMCA. He is 
a great role model, mentor and undoubtedly has impacted countless 
lives, young and old.
  At age 85, he traveled to Haiti to represent Kiwanis International to 
work on Iodine Deficiency. And on his 90th birthday, he even held a 
food drive for Interfaith of The Woodlands, turning his birthday 
celebration into a time to help others--now this is a man who never 
stops serving others and is an example to us all.
  As you can see, he has committed endless hours to teaching our youth, 
even after the age of 90. He recently celebrated his 91 birthday and 
after a lilfetime of community service he is finally taking some time 
to slow down.
  The Woodlands truly benefited from his relocation to our community, 
and as he gets ready to move, we regret that we will lose a great 
community servant and true friend.
  Madam Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Mr. Williams and his 
countless contributions to the people of The Woodlands. I urge you to 
join me in recognizing Bob Williams for his many years of service, even 
after the age of 90.

                          ____________________