The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN RECOGNITION OF THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF WILLIAM ``RED'' LEWIS
______
HON. MIKE GALLAGHER
of wisconsin
in the house of representatives
Thursday, February 4, 2021
Mr. GALLAGHER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a remarkable man: William ``Red'' Lewis. A Green Bay native and successful businessman, Red Lewis personified the entrepreneurial spirit generosity Northeast Wisconsin is known for.
Born in 1942, Red was the youngest of four children. He attended Premontre High School (later to become Notre Dame de la Baie Academy) and graduated in 1960. After multiple jobs in the Green Bay area, Red began his career at the local PDQ car wash, working his way up to manager in 1967. Seeing an avenue to improve PDQ's cleanliness and efficiency, Red bought the business in 1974.
To enhance PDQ's customer experience, Red founded PDQ Manufacturing. His leadership drove PDQ into becoming the world's largest touchless car wash manufacturer with clients in over 30 countries. In recognition of his innovation and contribution to the industry, Red was inducted into the Car Wash Hall of Fame in 2000 by the International Carwash Association.
Beyond his business success, Red was well-known in the community for his kind heart and extensive philanthropy. He was deeply dedicated to giving back to a community that has supported him. He was particularly fond of supporting the Green Bay Boys & Girls Club, the Lac Baie Girl Scout Council, Catholic Charities, Manna for Life Ministries, NEW Zoo and St. Willebroad Parish. He was also generous to his alma mater, Notre Dame de la Baie Academy, and local veterans organizations.
Red also had a passion for collecting cars, and in 2016 gifted the Green Bay community with The Automobile Gallery. This nonprofit is a beautiful addition to Green Bay's downtown whose collection of more than 120 automobiles spans 113 years. It boasts a 1912 Maxwell, 1963 Corvette, and 1982 DeLorean DMC-12, among many other restored models. Visitors from across the state come to Green Bay to enjoy the gallery which has quickly become a cherished community treasure.
Madam Speaker, words cannot adequately thank Red for his extraordinary commitment to the Green Bay community. His passing will be mourned by many across Northeast Wisconsin. My prayers and condolences go out to his family and to all the lives he touched
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 21(1), Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 21(2)
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