[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 151 (Thursday, November 29, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7208-S7209]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
REMEMBERING TINKHAM VEALE II
Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the life of Tinkham
``Tink'' Veale II. Mr. Veale was a successful entrepreneur and
philanthropist who contributed greatly to the success of numerous
businesses and community institutions throughout northeast Ohio and
beyond during his long life. The impact and proud legacy of his
business expertise and generosity will be realized for many years to
come.
Mr. Veale was born in 1914 in Topeka, KS and moved to the Cleveland
area as a child when his father joined the Eaton Corporation. He
attended Heights High School and Case Institute of Technology,
graduating with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. Mr.
Veale worked for several companies including General Motors. In 1941 he
married Harriett Ernst, of the Ernst and Young accounting family, who
passed away in 1998. The couple had three children, seven grandchildren
and eight great grandchildren.
In the 1960s, Veale and his associates formed Alco Standard
Corporation.
[[Page S7209]]
Veale developed the philosophy and strategy he referred to as
``corporate partnership,'' through which his company acquired and
financed small businesses while keeping their original management
structures in place. His success grew from buying small companies and
helping them to succeed through keeping their management in place while
contributing with capital and strategic direction. Over the years, the
company operated many businesses representing diverse industries
including manufacturing, mining, and banking, as well as operating
office equipment and paper distribution businesses. Veale served as
Alco's president and chairman until 1971 and stayed on as chairman
until 1986. By 1987, the company had 175 businesses with 16,000
employees in the United States and Europe.
Mr. Veale had a unique spirit and love of life. Over the years he was
active in a variety of community organizations, served as a councilman
in Gates Mills, OH, and was known for raising thoroughbred horses.
Perhaps most significant, was his generous philanthropy which continues
to benefit communities, students and institutions in Ohio. He was a
notable supporter of his alma mater, Case Western Reserve University,
where the most recent pledge of $20 million from The Veale Foundation
is being utilized for construction of a new university center, which
will be named in his honor.
Tink Veale was a role model and a source of inspiration to us all. He
will be greatly missed, and his extraordinary legacy and giving spirit
will not be forgotten.
____________________