[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21415]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO MR. P. GREY CANE, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 5, 2003

  Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of a 
good man, a proud American and a fine member of the South Alabama 
community, Mr. P. Grey Cane, Jr., who passed away on Saturday, August 
9th, at his home in Fairhope, Alabama.
  A solid businessman and a true community leader, Grey Cane was loved 
by his family and friends and respected by his peers.
  Grey was known for his generosity, not only for those he knew well 
but also for those whom he had never met. Throughout his life, Mr. Cane 
worked for the preservation of Alabama's treasured waterways which have 
for many years provided immense enjoyment to tens of thousands of 
residents and tourists. His love of the outdoors and his passion for 
preserving our waterways will never be forgotten.
  As a young man, Grey founded KEMKO, Inc., a company providing 
construction, building, and roofing materials. His employees felt a 
strong loyalty to Mr. Cane and often spoke highly of his giving nature 
and attentiveness to their needs.
  Mr. Cane also had a strong and independent spirit which made him both 
a tough negotiator and successful businessman. However, Grey Cane never 
allowed his many successes to be used simply for his own good.
  At times, he used the KEMKO warehouses as depositories for extra 
building supplies and allowed those in need to take what was considered 
necessary from storage. In addition to his generosity, Grey Cane had a 
way that made everyone who came in contact with him feel special, a 
rare quality in today's times.
  A sportsman at heart, Mr. Cane devoted tremendous amounts of time and 
energy to the establishment of the Coastal Conservation Association 
(CCA) of Alabama and, subsequently, the Eastern Shore chapter of the 
same organization. Those close to him note the zeal he had for the 
cause of environmental protection and the tenacity with which he fought 
for this worthy cause. Grey Cane realized the importance of preserving 
our natural habitats and continued fighting for this cause throughout 
his entire life. In recognition of his charitable gifts and his 
lifelong dedication to the cause of environmental conservation, the CCA 
recently honored Mr. Cane by renaming a thriving coastal reef in his 
honor.
  Through his charitable contributions to society, his strong 
dedication to protecting and preserving Alabama's waterways, fisheries 
and natural resources, and his generosity to his friends, family, and 
coworkers, Mr. Cane leaves a lasting and memorable mark onall of 
Alabama's Gulf Coast region. I am proud to have called him my friend.
  Mr. Speaker, P. Grey Cane, Jr., is survived by his wonderful wife of 
almost 50 years, Katchie, a son, Peter Grey Cane, III, a daughter, 
Laura Cane Armstrong, two grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, one 
sister, an aunt and nieces, nephews and other relatives. May his family 
know that they are in the thoughts and prayers of many who loved and 
appreciated Grey Cane as they did.

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