[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 60 (Tuesday, April 5, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1976-S1977]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                      REMEMBERING LANE R. WILLIAMS

 Mr. CRAPO. Madam President, along with my colleagues Senator   
and Representative Russ Fulcher, I recognize the life of an 
extraordinary Idahoan, Lane R. Williams, who passed away in February. 
Lane was the former owner of Midvale Telephone Exchange and is 
remembered for his commitment to advancing opportunities for others. 
This includes his role in keeping the Weiser area north to McCall 
connected through his telephone company.
  His obituary reads, ``Lane left behind a legacy of championing the 
underdog and empowering people by creating possibilities and 
opportunities. He did this in part by being an educator of many, 
including years spent working with migrant workers as a teacher. He 
always believed that education was the key to empowerment.'' In 1977, 
Lane took over Midvale Telephone Exchange from his parents and, with 
his wife Mary Gaile, began expanding service to five Idaho communities 
and to the remote Cascabel community in southern Arizona before 
building four additional areas throughout Arizona. This expansion is 
credited with enabling more than 4,000 people in rural areas to have 
internet and phone service and employing over 45 people. In 2008, Lane 
created an employee stock ownership plan, ESOP, and sold the company to 
his employees to help ensure their continued employment and security in 
retirement.
  Lane was one of those industrious and inspiring people who figure out 
ways to help and encourage improvements in their community, and do

[[Page S1977]]

them. Some years after his beloved wife Mary Gaile passed, he met his 
wife Elsa Freeman, who again enlightened his life with love and 
companionship. The two bought and restored the Midvale Mercantile. The 
project's benefits to the community include, providing jobs, a local 
grocery source, community kitchen, community garden, and lodging for 
travelers. They also started Midvale Marketplace, Inc., a nonprofit 
focused on identifying community needs; creating service, education, 
and employment opportunities; and developing and supporting sustainable 
economic growth. Lane was also instrumental in developing the Weiser 
River Trail, and worked hard to maintain and improve the park and 
trail.
  As we recognize the good Lane Williams did for his treasured 
community of Midvale and far beyond, we extend our deep condolences to 
Lane's friends and loved ones, including his wife Elsa Freeman, 
children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His love, compassion, 
and open-heartedness will endure in the many lives he touched during 
his life well lived.

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