[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 323]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                       TRIBUTE TO JOHN L. HOLDEN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ROB PORTMAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 6, 1999

  Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. Speaker, on December 29, 1998, the Greater 
Cincinnati area lost one of its finest citizens. John L. Holden, an 
inspiration to many people, passed away at the age of 75. He was many 
different things to many different people: author, philanthropist, Navy 
officer, a national leader in camping, and business executive. But it 
was his fervent desire to counsel and provide learning experiences to 
young people that has left a lasting impression on a countless number 
of people throughout the community.
  Mr. Holden graduated from Cornell University in 1943. He served his 
country as a communications officer in the Pacific Ocean during World 
War II, and later commanded a Landing Ship Tank which supported Chinese 
Naitonalists in their fight against Communism. Upon his return home, he 
founded and directed Standard Laundry and Linen Service. He also served 
as a Vice President of Krause Hardware Company and as an estimator for 
Fisher-DeVore Construction Company.
  However, as anyone who was acquainted with him knows, his real love 
and passion was camping. In 1948, he and others purchased Camp Kooch-i-
ching. He later succeeded his mentor, Mr. Bernard S. Mason, as director 
of the camp, as well as the Wasaka Boys Club, a year-round program of 
camping and sports in Cincinnati. He later founded the Camping and 
Education Foundation to which he donated the camp. In 1969, he founded 
the Kee-Way-Din Ski Club, of which I was a member. This group takes 
youngsters on skiing trips throughout the western and northern United 
States.
  Most importantly, however, was Mr. Holden's ability to be a positive 
role model in the lives of so many young people. Leading by example, he 
helped guide many children in their search for the difference between 
right and wrong. Mr. Holden had an uncanny way of opening the eyes of 
his campers if a problem existed. He would then lead them in finding a 
solution to that problem on their own. By helping them help themselves, 
Mr. Holden bolstered their self esteem and self worth. It also 
instilled a problem solving method in the children that could be used 
well into adulthood.
  Mr. Holden's unfailing leadership and dedication to the youth of 
Cincinnati has touched and inspired many people. Mr. Holden's life is 
proof positive that one person can certainly make a difference. That 
difference will surely be felt for years to come.




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