[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20644]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF ROBERT ``BOB'' WILMERS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KEITH J. ROTHFUS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 21, 2017

  Mr. ROTHFUS. Mr. Speaker, today, we remember the life of Robert 
``Bob'' Wilmers, a visionary, successful business man, loving father 
and husband, who passed away this past Saturday.
  In 1983, he became Chairman and CEO of M&T Bank and held those 
positions until his recent passing. Under his leadership, M&T grew from 
$2 Billion to $120 Billion in assets in 35 years. He saw the bank's 
reach grow from Buffalo to Maryland and the D.C. area, as well as 
Pennsylvania. Through it all, he never lost touch with his customers.
  Bob's annual letters to shareholders were legendary and he was 
critical of over regulation that hurt regional banks.
  His even handed, steady analysis will be missed. In addition to his 
successful career, Bob shared a deep commitment to the city of Buffalo, 
New York through his charitable giving and service to the community.
  He was fiercely loyal to his work and bettering the community, an 
example we can all learn from. I extend my condolences to his family 
and friends. He leaves a large void that will be felt for years to 
come.

                          ____________________