[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 85 (Wednesday, June 18, 1997)]
[House]
[Pages H3891-H3892]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO GEORGE ``MARV'' TEAL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Colorado, Mr. Bob Schaffer, is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BOB SCHAFFER of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 
life and work of Mr. George ``Marv'' Teal. Marv was born July 4, 1943, 
to Genevieve O'Brien Teal, while his father, George Vincent Teal, 
served in the Philippines during World War II. As a boy he thought it 
was wonderful that the city threw him a big birthday party each year 
with a parade and fireworks. George was tagged with the nickname 
``Marv'' in high school and it stuck with him throughout his life.
  Marv died May 21, 1997 in Greeley, CO, where he and his family 
settled 15 years ago. He was laid to rest at Fort Logan National 
Cemetery in Denver on May 27, 1997. He was married to Kathy for 29 
years. Together they raised three children: A son, George Patrick Teal 
who is a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army serving as a special 
projects officer. He has two daughters, Suellen and Kathleen, who are 
both computer technologists. He also has a granddaughter Laurel, who 
will be 2 in August. Marv and Kathy raised a lovely family and 
supported many community activities.
  A staunch Republican, he spent many years in leadership roles as 
precinct chairman, district captain, Weld County vice chairman, county 
and State assembly delegate, and of course as delegate to the Colorado 
Fourth Congressional District. He also served as election judge and 
canvass board member. He contributed his efforts to individual 
campaigns over the years and was an effective strategist helpful in 
planning the time lines necessary for the success of those campaigns. 
George was always to be seen at late night committee meetings, at 
county and State assemblies and at busy intersections waving campaign 
signs. There was never a time when a call for help went unheeded. There 
was also never a time when he expected to be recognized for his 
efforts. Marv did what he did out of principle. Many people have been 
influenced by this wise, experienced man. He knew the secret of 
multiplying his influence by encouraging others of like mind to take 
leadership in the public realm.

[[Page H3892]]

  Marv was a quiet man, respectful of others, slow to anger and quick 
to forgive. He loved reading, flying, computer programming, and 
bicycling. His proudest accomplishments were of course his children. 
His son George followed through on the love of country Marv tried to 
instill by serving in the military and his daughters both followed his 
love of computers.
  That was in fact Marv's first love. After graduating from St. Francis 
High School in Wheaton, IL, in 1961, he attended a technical school 
specializing in computer programming. Having his daughters become adept 
computer specialists was a definite source of fatherly pride. Marv came 
back to the computer field toward the end of his working career after 
spending many years in sales.
  As a young man Marv was drafted into the Army in 1965 during the 
first big draft of the Vietnam war. He felt privileged to serve his 
country as his father and his grandfather had done before him, and he 
thought it was his patriotic duty. He excelled in turbine generator 
school at Fort Belvoir, VA, graduating first in his class. He never got 
to use his mechanics training, though, because he was never sent to 
Vietnam. Instead he served out the rest of his time in Fort Campbell, 
KY as a company clerk, supply officer, and finished his last 9 months 
of service in his favorite duty, as a military policeman.
  Marv spent the rest of his life focused on his wife, children, and 
community. For 10 years he and Kathy were team leaders for World Wide 
Marriage Encounter weekends for the Catholic church. They were 
privileged to coordinate more than 60 weekends to help couples make 
their good marriages into great committed relationships. Marv and Kathy 
facilitated marriage preparation classes for their church. Marv was 
also instrumental in forming the Rite of Christian Initiative for 
Adults at St. Mary's Parish in Greeley. He demonstrated his love of 
teaching and for young people as a confirmation teacher for 9 years. He 
was also a board member of Habitat for Humanity and Citizens for 
Responsible Government.
  Marv understood the meaning of the grassroots political process and 
exemplified it daily. It is people like Marv who contribute to the 
greatness of America, the behind-the-scenes hard work essential to our 
communities and the makeup of the character of this great Nation. I am 
privileged to have known him and experience the results of his efforts. 
They will not go unappreciated. His memory and the influence he had on 
us and our Nation will far outlive his life. Each time we celebrate our 
independence and the freedoms we too often take for granted, we need to 
remember the contributions of people like Marv.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to submit for the Record a short poem that 
Marv considered his statement of his life's philosophy and indeed it 
was the best description of his life as a devoted father, a husband, 
and American.

                               Desiderata

                            (By Max Ehrmann)

     Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace 
           there may be in silence. As far as possible without 
           surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your 
           truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even 
           the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid 
           loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations of the 
           spirit.
     If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and 
           bitter; for there will always be greater and lesser 
           persons than yourself.
     Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep 
           interested in your own career, however humble; it is a 
           real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
     Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is 
           full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what 
           virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; 
           and everywhere life is full of heroism.
     Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be 
           cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and 
           disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
     Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrending 
           the things of youth.
     Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden 
           misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark 
           imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and 
           loneliness.
     Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You 
           are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and 
           the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or 
           not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is 
           unfolding as it should.
     Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to 
           be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the 
           noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
     With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a 
           beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

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