[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 79 (Tuesday, May 15, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E646-E647]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF HUGH KENDALL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MATT GAETZ

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 15, 2018

  Mr. GAETZ. Mr. Speaker, the Fort Walton Beach/Destin community, the 
place that I call

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home, recently lost a truly remarkable man. I rise to recognize and pay 
tribute to the life of Mr. Hugh Kendall.
  I was lucky enough to call Hugh a dear friend, as were many in our 
community. Hugh was such an open and genuinely caring person, that 
whoever had the privilege to meet him instantly felt like they'd known 
him for years. He had a contagious positive attitude that he spread 
with ease wherever he went.
  Hugh's life of service began in the United States Air Force in 1963. 
He was a Vietnam War Veteran, but even though his health suffered due 
to his exposure to Agent Orange, Hugh always remained positive and 
proud regarding his service; he once said ``I served my country. I did 
what I was supposed to do.''
  After retirement from Civil Service, Hugh continued to give freely of 
his time. He volunteered serving on the Board of Directors for many 
organizations including Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers, AMI Kids Emerald 
Coast, Sunset Vettes, and the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of 
Commerce.
  He was well known throughout the civic community as a dedicated 
volunteer giving back to his community, which earned him Ambassador of 
the Year for the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce and 
Volunteer of the Year for Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers.
  Hugh's incredible spirit will live on through his beautiful family 
and the many lives he impacted so greatly.
  We lost an amazing father, a loving husband, a devoted friend , and a 
true gentleman. We will miss the joy Hugh shared but will always 
remember his smile, his kindness, and his impact on our community.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I'd like to 
recognize and honor the life and sacrifices of Mr. Hugh Kendall.
  I am thankful for the blessing of his compassionate and virtuous soul 
and for the time that we were able to spend with him here on Earth. I 
offer my deepest condolences to his family and friends; may they all 
find peace and comfort in knowing how loved and revered Hugh was by so 
many. People die only when we forget them, if we remember Hugh, he will 
be with us always.

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