[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 193 (Thursday, December 6, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1603-E1604]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        CELEBRATING LeROY TROYER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JACKIE WALORSKI

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 6, 2018

  Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, it is with a mix of sorrow and gratitude 
that I rise today to commemorate the incredible life of LeRoy Troyer, 
who passed away Sunday, December 2, 2018.
  LeRoy was born and raised in Middlebury, Indiana, and graduated from 
the University of Notre Dame.
  LeRoy's strong Hoosier values were deeply rooted and remained true 
for his entire life. He built a successful career, starting with his 
own architectural firm, Troyer Group, and a beautiful life for his 
wife, Phyllis, and their three sons, Don, Ron, and Terry. Thanks to his 
steadfast leadership and entrepreneurial spirit, Troyer Group became a 
mainstay in the northern Indiana business community, and he made a 
lasting difference in all that he did.

[[Page E1604]]

  LeRoy enjoyed tremendous success throughout his career, but his 
biggest accomplishments were in service to others. For the past several 
decades, he gave much to Habitat for Humanity, through which he formed 
a unique partnership with former President Jimmy Carter and his wife 
Rosalynn. Through the Carter Work Project, they built or repaired 4,290 
homes in 14 different countries, including 23 in Mishawaka just this 
past August. His hard work and dedication to Habitat's mission earned 
him high praise from our 39th President: ``He's been a true inspiration 
to us.''
  A mark of the fruition of his skill and expertise, LeRoy led the 
Troyer Group's design and construction of the Ark Encounter in 
Kentucky. This 510-foot long, 85-foot wide, and 51-foot high, full-size 
replica of Noah's Ark as described in the Bible is the featured 
attraction at the biblical theme park. The craftsmanship of this grand 
structure, a project of great magnitude and meaning, demonstrates 
LeRoy's ability to bring an architectural dream to life.
  LeRoy embodied the best of the Hoosier ethos. He was diligent, 
industrious, innovative, and generous. And above all, he was devoted to 
his family and loved his country. I will be forever grateful for his 
valuable wisdom and foresight when it came to creative building 
projects and things that would continue to promote growth in our 
community.
  By the grace of God, he was surrounded by family in his last moments. 
I want to thank Phyllis for all she has done to honor his legacy and 
comfort their children during this difficult time. Our community will 
always remember LeRoy for his selflessness and for the passion that 
drove him to make a real difference in people's lives.

                          ____________________