[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 148 (Thursday, September 21, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1827]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO LAWRENCE L. MURRAY

                                 ______


                         HON. VERNON J. EHLERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 21, 1995

  Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I take this 
opportunity to recognize the achievements and contributions of Larry 
Murray, who is retiring after 21 years as the founder and director of 
the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan. His work and dedication 
have been superb over the years. He will be sorely missed by our 
community and the people he has come in contact with.
  A native of Pittsburgh, PA, Larry attended elementary and high school 
there. He went on to graduate from Duquesne University in his hometown. 
In 1939, Larry began his professional career as a sales trainee for the 
United States Gypsum Co. After learning the ropes of the industry, he 
rose quickly through the ranks and eventually became the company's 
national sales manager of insulation products. Three years after he 
began his first job, Larry enlisted in the U.S. Army to serve his 
country during World War II. Four years after enlisting Larry was 
honorably discharged, and he returned to his job with the United States 
Gypsum Co. He remained with the company and began his association with 
Grand Rapids, MI.
  Larry remained involved in the gypsum industry for another 14 years, 
working as a sales manager for the Grand Rapids Gypsum Co. Midway 
through his tenure with the company Larry was appointed as vice 
president of sales and marketing. As vice president, he oversaw all 
phases of the marketing program including prices, policies, and 
profits. In 1970, he retired from the gypsum industry to pursue a 
personal business venture. From 1970 to 1974, Larry owned and operated 
a consulting service geared toward the construction industry.
  In 1974, Larry was appointed as director of the newly developed Area 
Agency on Aging of Western Michigan. The agency is responsible for 
planning, coordinating, and serving as a funding agency for older adult 
programs in nine-county area. As director of the agency, Larry 
dedicated himself to providing the best possible services for area 
seniors.
  Larry's contributions to the care of seniors have been recognized not 
only by the citizens of west Michigan but also across the Nation. 
Throughout his 21 years with the Area Agency on Aging, Larry has been 
applauded by his peers and recognized with awards and leadership roles 
on various boards. He is one of the founders of the National 
Association of Area Agencies on Aging and served on the first board of 
directors for two terms. In 1986, he received the ``Distinguished Area 
Agency Director Award for the United States'' from the director of 675 
Area Agencies on Aging in the United States. He also served as a 
representative to the 1981 White House Conference on Aging. This litany 
of activities demonstrates that he has been very active on State and 
national levels in promoting aging related issues.
  Not only has Larry blessed many people with his commitment to 
helping, he has also been blessed with a wonderful, caring family. 
Providing support over the years for this dedicated man have been his 
wife Mary Lou of 52 years, and his children Dr. Lawrence Murray III, 
Patrick J. Murray, Mary Anne Timmer, and Jim Murray.
  Mr. Speaker, I have only touched the surface of the many 
contributions Larry has made to our community. I want to personally 
thank him for all that he has done in marking west Michigan a better 
place for the seniors of our community. It is with great pleasure that 
I take this time today to honor the many achievements and contributions 
of this outstanding and dedicated citizen.

                          ____________________