HONORING CHARLES RUSSELL ABELL

On 2026-02-02, Representative Ryan K. Zinke (R-MT-1) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING CHARLES RUSSELL ABELL" in the House. The speech addressed healthcare and also covered taxes, foreign policy.

HONORING CHARLES RUSSELL ABELL

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 23 (Monday, February 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 23 (Monday, February 2, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E90] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING CHARLES RUSSELL ABELL _____ HON. RYAN K. ZINKE of montana in the house of representatives Monday, February 2, 2026 Mr. ZINKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy and selfless service of Charles ``Charlie'' Russell Abell, a man who dedicated his life to his community. Charlie is a son of Whitefish, Montana. He was born there on July 10, 1939, graduated from Whitefish High School in 1958, and went on to earn a degree from the University of Montana in 1963. Like so many Montanans, Charlie came back, rolled up his sleeves, and went to work in his hometown. In June 1965, Charlie was hired by the Whitefish Credit Union where he would spend more than four decades building something that all of Montana is proud of. When Charlie began, the credit union held $780,000 in assets. When he retired in 2009, it had grown to more than $1 billion, becoming the largest credit union in Montana. Even with this extraordinary success, Charlie always stuck to his mantra ``not to be the biggest, but the best,'' and this philosophy was certainly the catalyst for achieving both. Mr. Speaker, Charlie's story goes well beyond professional success. For 62 years he has been a devoted husband to his wife Susan, and together they raised two sons who carry their values into the world. Charlie's professional success is matched only by his extraordinary commitment to public service. Charles worked with State Senator Bob Brown to pass the Lakeshore Preservation Act through the Montana Legislature helping to preserve the pristine body of water known as Whitefish Lake. He also played a key role in the creation of the Whitefish Convention and Visitors Bureau (WCVB) enabling the state lodging tax to benefit Whitefish tourism. Over the years, he devoted his time and leadership to the County Tax Appeal Board, the County Soil District, the North Valley Hospital Board, including two years as chairman, and the Whitefish School Board. He was also deeply involved in civic organizations such as Jaycees, Rotary, the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce, and the Winter Carnival Ambassadors. Charlie's leadership of the Winter Carnival Parade, involvement with the Doug Betters Winter Classic for Children, and dedication to Whitefish Lake through the Boat Club and numerous regattas has left a lasting mark on the community. Charlie was also named one of the five most influential citizens during the Whitefish Centennial Celebration. Charlie also answered the call to serve his county though the Army Reserve and continued that commitment through his involvement with the American Legion Post 108. The same sense of duty that called him to serve his community and his country runs through every chapter of his life. Mr. Speaker, Charles Abell has shown us that success is best measured not only by professional accomplishments, but by service to others. He has a simple saying: ``work first, play second.'' That philosophy embodies his lifelong commitment to family, community, and Montana values. Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking Charlie and congratulating him on his life and legacy. Whitefish, Montana, and our Nation are stronger and better because of his lifetime of service. ____________________