[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4863]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         LOSS OF GEORGE LACKMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KATHY CASTOR

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 2, 2008

  Ms. CASTOR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to herald the lifetime 
achievements of Tampanian George Lackman. Mr. Lackman was a jack of all 
trades. He made contributions to our community ranging from 
shipbuilding to banking to philanthropy.
  Mr. Lackman was born in Palmetto Beach in 1931. He spent most of his 
career as a shipbuilder. He worked his way up the ranks from a 
mechanic's assistant to vice president at Tampa Ship Repair and Dry 
Dock, and he oversaw construction of Tampa's legendary pirate ship, the 
Jose Gasparilla. For 35 years he served as the ship's captain during 
Tampa's annual pirate invasion and festival, ``Gasparilla.'' He also 
built submarines and stern-wheelers and refurbished a steam locomotive 
for the opening of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in 1971.
  Working with bass pro Doug Hannon, Mr. Lackman invented an electric 
boat propeller that prevents seaweed from becoming entangled in the 
blades. Many anglers swear by this invention, and Mr. Lackman would 
joke that it raised enough money to put his kids, son Peter and 
daughter Nancy, through college.
  In a new career endeavor, Mr. Lackman founded Citrus Park Bank, where 
he served as president. Later, he started the private banking program 
for First Union Bank in Tampa. He retired from First Union as vice 
president of corporate development. He also served as president of 
Nutri-Sol Chemical Company, Marine Insulation Company, Corban 
Industries, and Acetogen Gas Company of Florida.
  In his philanthropic efforts, Mr. Lackman started Genesis Clinic to 
provide prenatal care to mothers who were unable to afford proper 
health care. Infant mortality dropped in Tampa as a result of the 
services provided at Genesis. He also served as chairman of the 
Hillsborough County Hospital Board for two terms and helped save Tampa 
General Hospital when it faced the possibility of closing its doors.
  Madam Speaker, Mr. Lackman's death on March 29 marked a great loss to 
his wife Patricia, to Peter and Nancy, to his grandchildren George III, 
Caroline, and Grace, and to the entire Tampa Bay area. His unique 
contributions to our community and his common sense and intelligence 
will not soon be forgotten.

                          ____________________