[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 144 (Friday, September 15, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S13671]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


TRIBUTE TO MR. LARRY MURRAY ON HIS RETIREMENT AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF 
              THE AREA AGENCY ON AGING OF WESTERN MICHIGAN

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Lawrence L. Murray, Jr. In so doing, I join with the members of his 
community who are honoring Larry Murray on September 21, 1995, during a 
reception commemorating his 21 years of service and his retirement as 
executive director of the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan.
  Larry is a native of Pittsburgh, PA, and a proud graduate of Duquesne 
University. A member of the World War II generation, to whom our Nation 
owes so much, Larry served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1942 to 
1946.
  Following his discharge from the service, Larry pursued a career in 
business and sales. In the early 1960's his work brought Larry and his 
family to Grand Rapids. A decade later Larry ended the first stage of 
his professional life when he retired as vice president of U.S. Gypsum, 
Inc.
  With prophetic vision focusing on the challenges of a growing senior 
population, Larry prepared the documentation for designation which 
created Region VIII, the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan and 
was appointed the agency's first executive director.
  Over the years Larry has led region VIII through many changes and 
challenges, always ensuring a continuous flow of services for older 
persons. He was responsible for making it the first computerized area 
agency on aging, and successfully obtained numerous State and Federal 
grants which have allowed for its expansion and success. Additionally 
Larry spearheaded the efforts to erect a new building for the agency 
that includes a state-of-the-art kitchen for its Meals on Wheels 
Program.
  In 1986 in recognition of his outstanding leadership and many years 
of dedicated service, Larry was given the award for the Distinguished 
Area Agency Director of the United States of America.
  Also active in his church and community, Larry has been a volunteer 
or member of many boards and organizations over the years among them: 
the Ancient Order of Hibernians; the Knights of Columbus; the St. 
Vincent DePaul Society; the Michigan Society of Gerontology, and a host 
of others.
  Serving his country, church, and community throughout his entire 
life, Larry Murray has been an example to others embodying the highest 
ideals of his faith and his country. Mr. President I ask you along with 
all of my colleagues in the Senate to join with me in honoring this 
outstanding citizen. His legacy of unselfish service is something all 
should strive to emulate.


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