[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 56 (Tuesday, April 23, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E519]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING ROBERT EARL HOLDING

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 23, 2013

  Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I wanted to take a moment today to 
recognize and honor Robert Earl Holding, a man who throughout his life 
influenced Idaho and the West significantly. He was a veteran, a civil 
engineer, a businessman, a husband of 64 years, and a father of three. 
He passed away on April 19th, at age 86, after a long and rewarding 
life.
  Among his many accomplishments, Earl Holding turned a struggling 
motel into a hugely successful chain of ski resorts and hotels, and 
owned Sinclair Oil Corporation. He acquired Idaho's Sun Valley Resort, 
and turned it into a world-class destination and a pillar in Idaho. He 
also was a key figure in attracting the 2002 Winter Olympics to Salt 
Lake City. Most of all, however, he loved the West.
  Perhaps his most positive impact in Idaho began in 1977 when he 
bought the Sun Valley ski resort in central Idaho. He invested millions 
of dollars into Sun Valley, making it one of the most famous ski 
resorts in the United States. Today Sun Valley remains one of the most 
popular destinations in Idaho and a first-class resort for all seasons.
  Mr. Holding is a true example of the American dream, rising from the 
hardships of the Great Depression to become one of the most successful 
business people in the world. Although we have lost a famous 
entrepreneur, a family man, and an American, we won't forget Robert 
Earl Holding, nor his many contributions to Idaho and the West.

                          ____________________