[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 26275]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        IN MEMORY OF BILL WIRTZ

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARK STEVEN KIRK

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 2, 2007

  Mr. KIRK. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and memory of a 
constituent and one of the most beloved people in the Chicagoland 
area--Bill Wirtz. Last week, Mr. Wirtz passed after a battle with 
cancer at the age of 77.
  Most knew him as the president of the Chicago Blackhawks, where he 
worked for the last 41 years. However, his fame in sporting circles was 
only surpassed by his infinite kindness and generosity. Through his 
direction, the Chicago Blackhawks Charities donated more than $7.5 
million since 1993 to various organizations such as the Boys and Girls 
Clubs. He also was renowned for his compassion toward his employees, 
treating them like members of his family.
  The crowds at his visitation and funeral demonstrated the high-regard 
that thousands had for Mr. Wirtz and his accomplishments.
  I know I speak for the entire district when I send my deepest 
sympathies to his wife Alice, sons Rocky and Peter, daughters Gail, 
Karey and Alyson and his seven grandchildren. His memory will live on 
through the institutions he helped create and those whose lives he 
touched. It is because of this that his passion and dedication will 
never be forgotten.

                          ____________________