[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 58 (Thursday, April 25, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S3023]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    REMEMBERING ROBERT EARL HOLDING

 Mr. RISCH. Madam President, my colleague, Senator Mike Crapo 
joins me today in recognizing the extraordinary life of Robert Earl 
Holding.
  Idaho has lost a great visionary with his recent passing. As an 
entrepreneur, he saw potential in many businesses, including the Idaho 
resort Sun Valley.
  Earl Holding came from modest means. It is well-documented how he 
started his business empire with the purchase of a motel called Little 
America in Green River, WY. He expanded the chain and added gas and oil 
businesses that operate in the western United States.
  Earl purchased the Sun Valley Resort in 1977 and he had a long-term 
vision for the resort that was business as well as a labor of love.
  Restoring Sun Valley Resort to its glory days took great attention to 
detail and substantial investment. He built ski lodges with stunning 
views, added high-speed quad lifts and state-of-the-art snowmaking 
equipment. Earl worked to create a superb skiing experience that 
brought Idahoans and out of staters to its slopes to an extent that 
wasn't possible in the past. His focus on excellence resulted in Sun 
Valley being regularly ranked as a top snow skiing destination.
  His transformation of Sun Valley, coupled with his involvement in the 
2002 Winter Olympics and the hosting of the 2009 International Special 
Olympics at the Sun Valley Nordic Center, led to his induction into the 
U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame in 2011.
  Earl renovated the Sun Valley Lodge more than once and upgraded the 
resort's golf course. He made Sun Valley into a year-round resort that 
allowed area businesses to expand and create new jobs. Local 
governments and residents have greatly appreciated his vision and long-
term commitment to the resort.
  Sun Valley is a special place to my wife, Vicki, and me. Our whole 
family has spent numerous nights in the Sun Valley Lodge--a tradition 
we continue to this day. It was always a pleasure to run into Earl and 
his wife, Carol and sit and talk in such a beautiful place. They were 
very gracious and it was always an enjoyable time with them.
  We cannot forget in every step of the way, he had a wonderful partner 
in Carol. They were a great team and for every story of Earl waiting 
tables, there is a story of Carol cleaning rooms. For 64 years, they 
were partners in every sense of the word. Our thoughts and prayers are 
with Carol and their three children during this time.
  Earl Holding was a devoted husband and father and an accomplished 
businessman. He had integrity in his business dealings and was loyal to 
his employees. He valued his customers and he was generous in many 
ways.
  Idaho and America has had a great man pass from our midst, but we are 
all better off because of his presence.

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