[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 120 (Friday, September 11, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H7615]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO ED BOHRER

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 7, 1997, the gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. Morella) is 
recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the majority leader.
  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, on Labor Day the city of Gaithersburg, 
which is the second largest city in my congressional district, 
celebrated its traditional Labor Day parade, one of the biggest parades 
in the State, and I would venture, probably in the region. It was the 
60th parade.
  The parade was dedicated to the mayor, Ed Bohrer, who on August 27 at 
age 58 died suddenly. He was there in spirit. I pay tribute to Ed 
Bohrer.
  Ed Bohrer was a man of Gaithersburg, born and bred. He lived and 
loved in the town that he knew so well, where everyone knew each other 
and everyone cared. He loved his native Gaithersburg, and he 
enthusiastically nurtured his town into a community which has become 
the second largest city in the State of Maryland.
  He was first elected mayor in 1986, after he had already served 10 
years on the Gaithersburg city council. He was a man who truly believed 
in the people of Gaithersburg. He was committed to his community, and 
he exhibited honor and integrity in all that he did. His leadership and 
achievements enhanced the quality of life for all of the citizens of 
Gaithersburg, and he made us very proud.
  Ed was very proud that Gaithersburg was a very fiscally solvent city. 
He was a Republican, but he was a Republican who was bipartisan, in 
fact nonpartisan in working with businesses, elected officials, 
organizations to serve all the people.
  His vision led to the establishment of the Wells Robertson house for 
transitional homeless, in response to a problem of homeless in 
Gaithersburg, giving them the opportunity to prepare for jobs and for 
transitioning into the city beyond the homeless shelter.
  He established effective antidrug programs. He was very much involved 
with the revitalization of the Gaithersburg Old Town, and he 
established Gaithersburg as a ``character counts'' city, a model for 
the Nation. We will sorely miss the beloved mayor, whom I called 
endearingly ``Mr. Gaithersburger- 
meister.''
  Most of all, we remember Ed Bohrer, the man. Each of us who knew him 
in some way has been touched in a very special, personal way by Ed 
Bohrer. We have called him a mentor, because he guided, helped, and 
cared. We recall his pride and involvement on the athletic fields, 
cheering the young people. We can almost see him now, wearing his 
hallmark outfit: loafers and no socks and chino pants. We were his 
classmates, his neighbors, his letter carriers, his school crossing 
guards, his community police. We all knew that we were part of his 
leadership, his commitment to community service.
  Ed Bohrer was unpretentious with a sense of humor and a sense of 
values. He was loyal to his friends. He was a man of his word who 
believed passionately that public service meant helping others.
  On August 30th, which was the eve of his funeral service, Ed lay in 
state in the hallowed sanctuary of his church, Epworth United Methodist 
Church in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Well over 1,400 people passed through 
to pay tribute to this man that they remembered so endearingly.
  It was very appropriate because he truly lived the prayer of the 
founder of Methodism, John Wesley: ``to do all the good you can, in all 
the places you can; in all the ways that you can; for as long as you 
can.'' Pastor Reverend Green in his homily celebrated the life and 
legacy of Ed Bohrer by citing examples of his faith in his actions.
  Ed Bohrer was a family man. He knew the values of family. I remember 
his pride when his wife, Sharon, graduated from Columbia Union College, 
when the children were adults. She was getting a graduate degree, and 
in fact, I was the speaker.
  He and Sharon gave their children, Paige and Patrick, a loving home. 
They have reflected in their lives that inspiration. He encouraged his 
son Pat's dedication to a law enforcement career. He was filled with 
joy for Paige and his four grandchildren, and he was devoted to his 
mother, Juanita.
  We were very proud to be part of one of the many things that Ed and 
Sharon did in the community. They had a holiday tradition where he and 
Sharon would serve members of the community at their home at a 
breakfast, and they had the traditional pancakes prepared by his 
mother, Juanita.
  Ed's loss leaves a void, particularly in the lives of his family. We 
offer our prayers for Sharon, Paige, Patrick, his mother, Juanita, his 
sisters, grandchildren, and all the family.
  At the memorial service on August 31, reflections on the life of Ed 
Bohrer were offered by Sidney Katz, Gaithersburg city council member; 
Roy Green, his brother-in-law; his son, Patrick Bohrer; the Board 
Chairman of the Adventist Health Care, Ron Wisbey; Teresa Wright, a 
community representative. I also had the honor of offering some 
reflections.

                              {time}  1300

  What was so special was that the eulogy was given by his wife. And it 
was so filled with the warmth, enthusiasm, humor, and compassion that 
characterized Ed, we all felt that he was there. Everyone was deeply 
moved.
  Sharon stated she was following Ed's request to deliver the eulogy.
  I stress that Ed Bohrer personified the pillars of ``Character 
Counts.'' In Congress we have a resolution encouraging States and 
localities to become ``Character Counts'' cities, States, and 
jurisdictions. Gaithersburg's commitment shows its effectiveness.
  Those pillars of ``Character Counts'' are Respect, trustworthiness, 
fairness, citizenship, caring and responsibility. And, indeed, in this 
day when public servants are judged not only by accomplishments but by 
character, Ed Bohrer was truly a role model.
  I talked with Ed on the phone at the hospital a few days before he 
passed away. His wife, Sharon, had just washed his hair. He was filled 
with hope. I told him that I loved him, and I said that for all of us 
who knew him.
  Thornton Wilder wrote, ``There is a land of the living and a land of 
the dead, and the bridge is love--the only survival and the only 
meaning.''
  Ed Bohrer will be missed, but he will certainly live on in love and 
is our inspiration. ``We thank you, Ed.''

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