[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 86 (Thursday, June 19, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1267]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN MEMORY OF ALEXANDER HIEKEN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 19, 1997

  Mr. GREEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Alexander 
Hieken who passed away Sunday, May 25, 1997 in the Methodist Hospital 
in Houston, TX at the age of 88. Al grew up in St. Louis, MO and 
graduated from the University of Missouri with a bachelor's degree in 
journalism in 1929. He worked in El Paso, TX for the Herald Post. He 
was the International Representative for the American Newspaper Guild.
  Al served in the United States Navy during World War II. In 1948, he 
was transferred to Houston, Texas as a Guild representative. In 
addition, he served as director of the Concentrated Employment Program 
of Houston, a training and placement division of President Lyndon B. 
Johnson's war on poverty.
  At the time of death, Al was serving in his fourth term as silver-
haired legislator from the Harris County Commissioner District II. He 
was a member of the Houston Press, AARP, National Council of Senior 
Citizens, AFSCME Local 1550 Retiree Chapter, and the Gray Panthers. He 
was also a member of the Harris County Area on Aging Advisory Planning 
Committee.
  Al is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Kimmell Hieken, a daughter, 
Ellen Hinkle, two grandchildren, Chris Hinkle of Wimberly, Texas and 
Cherrie Hinkle of Houston, and two great-grandchildren, Carli and 
Austin Hinkle. Also surviving him are his sister, Mary Lavazzi of St. 
Louis, Missouri, and his brother, George Hieken of New Hampshire.
  Alexander Hieken will be remembered as a leader in his community 
whose ideas reached far and wide. His genuine enthusiasm for the 
American labor movement prompted people of all ages to become 
interested in better working conditions for all. Because I experienced 
Alexander's vitality and wisdom firsthand, I have no doubt that this 
tireless role model made Houston, Texas a richer place to live.
  As friends and family reflect on his lifetime of contribution, it is 
only fitting that we also pay tribute to this great man and good 
friend.

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