[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 80 (Tuesday, June 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1173]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


     TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM H. OLIVER, AN OUTSTANDING, UPSTANDING AND 
                           UNDERSTANDING MAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 10, 1997

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, Thursday will mark a milestone in the life of 
one of my outstanding, upstanding, and understanding constituents. This 
exceptional person is William H. Oliver. Mr. Oliver will celebrate his 
85th birthday on June 12.
  Mr. Oliver has lived in East Orange, NJ for 46 years. He is a native 
of Chase City, VA where he grew up. A true believer in the strength of 
family, Mr. Oliver has dedicated his life to raising and supporting a 
family that continues to grow in terms of number, scope, and purpose. 
Mr. Oliver's family reaches beyond his blood line and includes his 
church family and the community-at-large.
  Mr. Oliver is a very active man. He is thankful for his good health 
and uses his energy and resources to better himself and the world 
around him. He is a deacon and the treasurer of his church, Messiah 
Baptist Church, East Orange. He has held these positions for more than 
20 years. His church activities have also included being a member of 
the trustee board, the male chorus, and past chairman of the Flower 
Guild. His religion and the love and teachings of Jesus have helped to 
sustain and refresh him. He is also a Master Mason. His lodge, Jeptha 
56, is very fortunate to have him involved in their activities.
  When we become older our relationships with our children sometimes 
change, the provider/dependent roles are switched. That is not the case 
in Mr. Oliver's life. His two children, William H.L. and Gloria are 
both accomplished, caring, and committed individuals who serve the law 
enforcement community. His son is captain of investigators with the 
Essex County Prosecutor's Office and his daughter is lieutenant with 
the East Orange Police Department. They use their careers to truly 
serve, protect, and guide. What is wonderful about these two is their 
relationship with their dad. They proudly and constantly display their 
love and respect. It is not uncommon for them to seem like the boy and 
girl of their youth when it comes to their dad.
  Captain Oliver can be seen raptly listening to advice from his 
experienced elder. Lt. Oliver can be overheard extolling the virtues of 
her dad and saying how fortunate she is to have him around.
  Mr. Speaker, I am sure my colleagues will want to join me as I wish 
Mr. William H. Oliver a happy birthday and happy Father's Day. I would 
also like to extend best wishes to Mr. Oliver's descendents in this 
strong, stable, and viable family--son, William H.L.; daughter, Gloria; 
granddaughters, Shelly and Krystal, and their husbands, Oran and 
Vincent; and great-granddaughters, Kourtney and Madison; and the next 
great-grandchild to be born in December. May God continue to keep and 
bless each of you.

                          ____________________