[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 23 (Monday, February 2, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E90]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING CHARLES RUSSELL ABELL

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. RYAN K. ZINKE

                               of montana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 2, 2026

  Mr. ZINKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy and selfless 
service of Charles ``Charlie'' Russell Abell, a man who dedicated his 
life to his community.
  Charlie is a son of Whitefish, Montana. He was born there on July 10, 
1939, graduated from Whitefish High School in 1958, and went on to earn 
a degree from the University of Montana in 1963. Like so many 
Montanans, Charlie came back, rolled up his sleeves, and went to work 
in his hometown. In June 1965, Charlie was hired by the Whitefish 
Credit Union where he would spend more than four decades building 
something that all of Montana is proud of.
  When Charlie began, the credit union held $780,000 in assets. When he 
retired in 2009, it had grown to more than $1 billion, becoming the 
largest credit union in Montana. Even with this extraordinary success, 
Charlie always stuck to his mantra ``not to be the biggest, but the 
best,'' and this philosophy was certainly the catalyst for achieving 
both.
  Mr. Speaker, Charlie's story goes well beyond professional success. 
For 62 years he has been a devoted husband to his wife Susan, and 
together they raised two sons who carry their values into the world.
  Charlie's professional success is matched only by his extraordinary 
commitment to public service. Charles worked with State Senator Bob 
Brown to pass the Lakeshore Preservation Act through the Montana 
Legislature helping to preserve the pristine body of water known as 
Whitefish Lake. He also played a key role in the creation of the 
Whitefish Convention and Visitors Bureau (WCVB) enabling the state 
lodging tax to benefit Whitefish tourism.
  Over the years, he devoted his time and leadership to the County Tax 
Appeal Board, the County Soil District, the North Valley Hospital 
Board, including two years as chairman, and the Whitefish School Board. 
He was also deeply involved in civic organizations such as Jaycees, 
Rotary, the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce, and the Winter Carnival 
Ambassadors. Charlie's leadership of the Winter Carnival Parade, 
involvement with the Doug Betters Winter Classic for Children, and 
dedication to Whitefish Lake through the Boat Club and numerous 
regattas has left a lasting mark on the community. Charlie was also 
named one of the five most influential citizens during the Whitefish 
Centennial Celebration.
  Charlie also answered the call to serve his county though the Army 
Reserve and continued that commitment through his involvement with the 
American Legion Post 108. The same sense of duty that called him to 
serve his community and his country runs through every chapter of his 
life.
  Mr. Speaker, Charles Abell has shown us that success is best measured 
not only by professional accomplishments, but by service to others. He 
has a simple saying: ``work first, play second.'' That philosophy 
embodies his lifelong commitment to family, community, and Montana 
values.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking Charlie and congratulating 
him on his life and legacy. Whitefish, Montana, and our Nation are 
stronger and better because of his lifetime of service.

                          ____________________