[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 152 (Monday, October 19, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S7303]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING LEON GORMAN

 Mr. KING. Mr. President, today we solemnly remember a dear 
friend of Maine, the late Leon Gorman. Leon was president of L.L. Bean 
and a committed environmentalist, but more than that, he was a 
wonderful man and gifted leader. On September 3, 2015, Leon passed away 
at the age of 80. Throughout his life, he devoted endless attention and 
time to the betterment of Maine, and he will be greatly missed.
  Leon graduated cum laude from Bowdoin College before serving in the 
Navy for 3 years. When he stepped in to fill his grandfather's shoes as 
president of L.L. Bean in 1967, Leon took the company from a $4.75 
million corporation to $1 billion global label. In his memoir, Leon 
writes that his proudest accomplishment was growing his grandfather's 
company from less than 100 workers into one that has employed tens of 
thousands of Mainers over several decades. Even with this impressive 
growth, Leon remained committed to the company's values and stayed true 
to the traditions and spirit of the State he loved. He was a true man 
of Maine in every way.
  Leon was an extremely successful businessman, but also an active 
philanthropist. He donated generously to the National Park Foundation 
and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, as well as to numerous other 
environmental groups and State parks. He was also a very active Bowdoin 
alumnus, giving generously to the college and serving as both an 
overseer and trustee.
  During his time as chairman of L.L. Bean, Leon focused the company's 
charitable giving program on outdoor recreation and conservation. Not 
only did Leon personally donate to environmental groups, but under his 
leadership, L.L. Bean, Inc., has contributed millions to conservation 
groups and has provided funding for education, health and human 
services, and the arts throughout Maine. Leon will be fondly remembered 
for his unmatched generosity of heart, unwavering commitment to the 
people of our State, and his deep and abiding love for all that is 
Maine.
  Through his tireless efforts, Leon affected countless lives and 
contributed greatly to the betterment of Maine. He will be remembered 
for his firm devotion to protecting and enjoying nature and his 
dedication to the communities of our State. The State of Maine has lost 
a man of true integrity, and he will be greatly missed. I would like to 
join the people of Maine in remembering Leon Gorman and thanking him 
for his immeasurable contributions to our State and the Nation.

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