[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 39 (Thursday, April 7, 2005)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E579-E580] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING MR. MAX FISHER ______ HON. JOE KNOLLENBERG of michigan in the house of representatives Wednesday, April 6, 2005 Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, today I join the people of my Congressional District, as well as thousands around the country and the world, in honoring the passing of a truly great individual Mr. Max Fisher. On March 3, 2005, Max Fisher passed away at the age of 96. Max Fisher, a resident of Franklin, Michigan, was an internationally known philanthropist, businessman, advisor, and diplomat, and universally recognized as a driving force for positive change in the United States and the world. The son of Jewish Russian immigrants Velvil and MaIka Fisch, Max was born in Pittsburgh in 1908. He attended Ohio State University on a football scholarship and graduated in 1930 with a degree in business administration. After graduating from college Max Fisher moved to the Detroit area where he became an extremely successful businessman and real estate land developer. Max Fisher played a unique role in U.S.-Israel relations. This role has been described by many, including in the 1992 biography, Quiet Diplomat, by Peter Golden. Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger wrote in his memoirs that Max Fisher provided an important service as an informal liaison between the White House and the American Jewish leadership under Presidents Nixon and Ford. Max Fisher also served as the head of a variety of nonprofit and charitable Jewish organizations including United Jewish Appeal, the [[Page E580]] Republican Jewish Coalition, the Jewish Welfare Federation, the Jewish Agency, Council of Jewish Federations, United Israel Appeal, the American Jewish Committee, and the National Jewish Coalition. Max was a self-made man who spent much of his life raising money for philanthropic and political endeavors and remained an active supporter of charitable and civic organizations. He was a major benefactor of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, gave generously to Ohio State's College of Business, and helped found Detroit Renaissance, a nonprofit business roundtable aimed at improving conditions in the city and region. Max also held 13 honorary degrees from educational institutions. Max Fisher is survived by his wife, Marjorie Fisher; daughters and sons-in-law, Jane and D. Larry Sherman, Mary Fisher, Julie and Peter Cummings, Marjorie Fisher; son and daughter-in-law, Phillip and Lauren Fisher; 2 sisters; 19 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Max was a humble man of strong principle, who consistently focused on doing what was right, without seeking fame or prestige. His optimism and positive mental attitude continually motivated those around him to overcome the challenges before them. Therefore, I express my deepest condolences to his family, friends and admirers. And I also join in honoring Max Fisher for his diplomatic contributions, exceptional philanthropic achievements, boundless generosity, unwavering principle and integrity, and achieving great financial success while maintaining admirable humility. ____________________