[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 32 (Thursday, March 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E470]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         IN HONOR OF JOE FRIEND

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SAM GEJDENSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 13, 1997

  Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to note with great sorrow 
the passing of a friend very dear to the town of Chester and especially 
to me, Joe Friend.
  Joe dearly loved this community of Chester, CT, and was always well-
informed of the town's happenings. Having served on the board of 
selectmen in Chester and later as the registrar of voters, Joe was 
among the most active and engaged members of the community. He fought 
for seniors at every juncture. He often came to me with concerns from 
members of the community who had problems with housing or Social 
Security or another problem. No community concern was too small or 
large for Joe to take on.
  Everybody loved Joe. He would often make puns on his name, saying 
``you always have a friend here'' or ``you'll always have a friend in 
this house.'' And he was a friend to so many of us in his 83 years. I 
was fortunate to be one of them.
  Mr. Speaker, I am reminded of a party thrown for Joe and his wife 
Lillian almost 10 years ago, when the whole community, as a 
demonstration of their respect and regard, joined in the celebration of 
their 50th wedding anniversary. This day will be remembered fondly by 
all of us.
  And so, Mr. Speaker, we will mourn Joe's passing. He will truly be 
missed. But we who knew him, we who were touched by him, will never be 
able to forget him. Joe Friend served his community well and will be a 
continuing inspiration to all of us.

                          ____________________