[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 16 (Wednesday, February 1, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E109]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         REMEMBERING BING WELCH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE PENCE

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 1, 2012

  Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise with a heavy heart to honor the 
passing of Mr. Bing Welch, city councilman and community leader from 
Richmond, Indiana.
  Bing Welch was born in Tennessee and later attended the University of 
Tennessee. After serving in the 40th Armor Division in Korea for more 
than two years, Bing settled in Richmond. There he was employed by 
ALCOA as a tool designer, but later transferred to North Carolina and 
Kentucky before settling in Richmond once again in 1969.
  His 37-year tenure at ALCOA was marked by several notable 
accomplishments and opportunities, such as product development of 
plastic soft drink bottles and pull-tabs on cans. By the time he 
retired, he was a member of the 25-Year Club and had traveled across 
the country representing ALCOA in product liability lawsuits.
  In the mid 1970s, Bing decided to become more active in the community 
which he loved so well, and he was appointed to fill a vacant At-Large 
position on the Richmond Common Council. He would go on to serve on the 
council, including time spent as president, for an astonishing and 
admirable 22 years. Bing's legacy of leadership also includes service 
on the boards for the Richmond Sanitary District, the Parks and 
Recreation Department and Richmond Power and Light, where he spent time 
as chairman. Additionally, Bing was a member of the Corridor North 
Commission that planned the development of U.S. 27 North.
  The Richmond community remembers Bing as a man of character who loved 
God, his family, his community, and his country. He was known for his 
incredible leadership, honesty, commitment, and integrity. Bing's focus 
was always on the interests of the people he served, and during his 
long career in public service and in business, he made Richmond a 
better place. He and his wife founded the Concerned Citizen coalition, 
and he also helped start the Jerry Lawrence Memorial Golf Outing.
  I offer my deepest condolences to his wife of 57 years, Patricia; as 
well as his daughter Kristi; son Brian; grandchildren Morgan, Blaine, 
Jessica, and Nathan; and his many nieces, nephews, and other extended 
family. May God comfort Patricia and Bing's entire family with the 
assurance of His grace and with the assurance of the gratitude of the 
people of Richmond whom he served and loved.

                          ____________________