[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 27, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E17]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     IN MEMORY OF DAVID E. PHILIPS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SAM GEJDENSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 27, 1998

  Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great sadness to pay 
tribute to David E. Philips, a man who will be long remembered as a 
unique person who enjoyed sharing his many talents, not only with those 
close to him, but with his entire community.
  Mr. Philips was a dedicated professor of English at Eastern 
Connecticut State University from 1962 until his retirement in 1991. 
Beloved by faculty and students alike, he brought more to his 
university than just a specialized knowledge of Connecticut folklore. 
An academic and an historian, Mr. Philips also devoted himself to the 
personal betterment of his students in the name of true higher 
education. His legacy, not only as an inspirational professor, but as 
an inspirational man, will long be remembered throughout his community.
  After serving in the United States Navy during World War II, Mr. 
Philips returned home and became active in civic affairs. His hard work 
was pivotal for the planning and development of the new ``Frog'' bridge 
in Willimantic. Serving as a member of the Windham Board of Education 
from 1971 to 1979, Mr. Philips expounded an exceptional amount of 
effort to ensure the best possible future for the children of eastern 
Connecticut.
  Not limiting himself to educational issues, Mr. Philips also donated 
further time and energy to the Democratic Town Committee and was 
chairman of the town planning commission. Spending his summers in 
Trenton, ME, he was contributing editor of Down East Magazine for 25 
years.
  An extraordinary individual, Mr. Philips was a powerful storyteller 
who brought joy to audiences of all ages with his remarkable ability. 
Author of the book, Legendary Connecticut, Mr. Philips joyfully shared 
his passion for folklore with the entire community.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a rare man that can devote his life to things he 
loves while contributing so much to the community at the same time. 
David E. Philips will be missed by everyone he touched, but most of all 
by his two sons Evan and Donald and the rest of the Philips family.

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