[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 15171-15172]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF JOHN EDWARD PECHMANN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE McINTYRE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 19, 2006

  Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to an 
outstanding leader in Southeastern North Carolina, Mr. John Edward 
Pechmann. Mr. Pechmann unexpectedly passed away on July 15, 2006. John 
leaves behind a wife, Amy, and son, Jack, but his legacy and 
contributions will live on in the hearts and minds of many for 
generations to come.
  In lamenting the loss of this great man, The Fayetteville (NC) 
Observer eloquently described John as ``a Renaissance man--a talented 
lawyer, a fine fisherman, a skilled manager, an expert antiques 
collector, and a devoted father and husband.'' As head of the North 
Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, John dedicated his life to 
ensuring that

[[Page 15172]]

our outdoors were enjoyed, protected, and sustained. Indeed, in 2001, 
John received the Governor's Award as North Carolina's Conservationist 
of the Year. As a lawyer, John displayed the integrity and honor that 
reflects the best of our judicial system. As a leader in the community 
of his beloved home and state, Fayetteville, North Carolina, John never 
saw a challenge too great and never met a stranger he did not want to 
help. As a father and husband, John always put family first and loved 
the time he spent with his son fishing. Next month, there will be a 
fishing education center dedicated in his honor at Lake Rim in his home 
county of Cumberland. Although, John will not be there in person to 
rightfully receive the honor and praise he so deserves for his 
commitment to fish, wildlife, and the environment, the center will be a 
lasting memory that all can enjoy and strive to emulate.
  Samuel Logan Bringle, the legendary leader in the Salvation Army, 
once said some very important words that are reflective of the 
character and life of John. He said, ``The final estimate of a man will 
show that history cares not one iota about the title he has carried or 
the rank he has borne, but only about the quality of his deeds and the 
character of his heart.'' Indeed, John Pechmann has reflected this 
through his sacrifice and commitment.
  Mr. Speaker, dedicated service to others combined with dynamic 
leadership has been the embodiment of John's life. May we all use his 
wisdom, selflessness, and integrity as a source of inspiration and 
encouragement during our walk on this earth. Indeed, may God bless to 
all of our memories the tremendous life and legacy of John Edward 
Pechmann.

                          ____________________