[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 153 (Monday, November 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1993]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE CAREER OF THOMAS MAX WILLSON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 29, 2010

  Mr. STUPAK. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the career and 
achievements of Thomas Max Willson of Traverse City, Michigan. Tom is 
retiring after nearly 30 years of diligent public service in the 86th 
Judicial District Court in Traverse City. Throughout his long career, 
Tom has performed his duties with the utmost dedication and 
professionalism while being a devoted husband and father. Tom is also a 
dear friend of mine.
  Tom was born in Detroit, Michigan on January 12, 1951 and grew up in 
Royal Oak, Michigan; graduating from Shrine High School in 1969. 
Following high school, Tom enrolled at Northwestern Michigan College in 
Traverse City where he and I became good friends. In 1973, Tom 
transferred to Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan where he 
earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice.
  After earning his college degree in 1975, Tom knew he wanted to serve 
the public and play an integral role in his community. Tom headed back 
to Traverse City where he served as a sheriff deputy for Grand Traverse 
County. After two years as a sheriff deputy, Tom continued his career 
in public service as a probation officer for the 86th District Judicial 
Court, serving the counties of Grand Traverse, Antrim and Leelanau.
  Looking for a change in his professional life, Tom entered the 
private sector and became a sales supervisor with H. Cox & Sons 
Wholesale Distributor. Additionally, Tom was given the incredible 
opportunity to teach classes as an adjunct instructor at Northwestern 
Michigan College (NMC). To this day, Tom continues to enlighten 
students at NMC every semester with his experience and insightful 
teachings.
  Tom's passion for public service never faded. He returned to the 86th 
District Judicial Court to work as a probation officer in 1987--the 
same position he will be retiring from on December 31 of this year. Tom 
married his college sweetheart Deborah in May of 1974. Tom and Debbie 
celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary this year. They have two 
daughters, Heather and Ashley, and a granddaughter, Ava Rose.
  On a personal note, Tom has been a dear friend who is always ready to 
help out and go the extra mile. He and Debbie have frequently offered 
to host out of town visitors and show them the beauty of northern 
Michigan. Tom is known in Washington as an unofficial ambassador to 
northern Michigan.
  Madam Speaker, Thomas Max Willson has devoted his career to serving 
and protecting the residents of his local community and the State of 
Michigan. I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to 
join me in recognizing and honoring his lifetime of commitment and hard 
work.

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