Mourning the Loss of Gene ``The Pumpkin Man'' Rhodes-

Floor Speech

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Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of a true Southwest Michigan icon, Gene ``The Pumpkin Man'' Rhodes. As the owner and operator of a local family farm in Kalamazoo County for more than 60 years, customers could count on Gene not just for their fall pumpkins, but also for countless memories with family and friends.

Inspired by his late wife Carol, Gene transformed his family farm into the pumpkin-themed destination it is today. He was well-known for his orange dress shirt, tucked into his orange slacks, held up by his orange suspenders, and perhaps most notably, his orange 2005 Cadillac with the license plate ``Pumman.'' Visitors to the farm would also be greeted by pumpkin-themed furniture, decorations, and even a pumpkin- headed man and his wife. It was Gene's passion and lighthearted spirit that helped make visits to the Pumpkin Patch special for so many.

As a Michigan Centennial Farm, the Rhodes farm has been in Gene's family since 1885. The farm has continuously sold pumpkins since 1957 and now produces hundreds of tons of pumpkins each year.

For many in Southwest Michigan, Halloween meant a visit to Gene the Pumpkin Man. Gene provided cherished memories and experiences to families spanning generations, leaving behind a rich legacy. He will be truly missed.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating the life of Southwest Michigan's most famous pumpkin farmer: Mr. Gene Rhodes, the Pumpkin Man.

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