[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 63 (Tuesday, May 4, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E840]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN HONOR OF THE LATE MICHAEL McGARVEY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL P. FORBES

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 4, 1999

  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a humanitarian, a true 
leader, and my personal mentor, Michael McGarvey, Jr., a veteran Long 
Island scout master and postman who passed away at the age of 80.
  The first time I met Michael, I was impressed and impacted by his 
manner. He was such a gentle and instructive person, especially for me 
as a young kid attending Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) 
lessons at the Immaculate Conception hall in Westhampton Beach.
  In our community he was known as the grandfather of scouting. Michael 
was an adult Scout leader for more than 47 years. He rose to the post 
of commissioner of the Suffolk County Council, Boy Scout of America, 
and regional chairman of the Catholic Committee on Scouting. He was so 
enthralled with scouting that he attend board meetings until a few 
months before his death last week after a long illness.
  In his time with scouting he was recognized with numerous citations, 
including one for service to the Catholic youth of Long Island 
presented to him by Bishop John McGann of the Diocese of Rockville 
Centre. He also received a Pius X citation for teaching catechism to 
the Immaculate Conception Church Confraternity in Westhampton Beach, 
where I was his student.
  Born in Akron, Ohio, he graduated from East Akron High School and 
came to New York in 1939 to attend the New York World's Fair in 
Flushing and visit with his sister, Margaret Kennedy. His sister 
introduced him to her friend, the former Lillian Langguth of Manhattan. 
They were married shortly thereafter and remained so for 56 years.
  They moved to Westhampton, Long Island in 1955, where they expanded 
Bide-A-Wee Home, the animal adoption center which they managed for 18 
years. They were especially known for taking in pets that were left 
over from the summer vacationers. After that, Michael worked in the 
Riverhead Post Office until he retired six years ago at age 74.
  I was moved by the commitment I witnessed Michael and Lillian have 
for the children of our community. They also loved their church, and 
lived the daily example of charity and love for their neighbors. In 
this time of distance between our children and their parents and 
church, Michael was a breath of fresh air. In many ways, he has helped 
shape my own life and I wish I could emulate his wonderful example.
  Michael will be remembered as the ultimate Scouter, where he brought 
to the position of commissioner a level of dignity and respect that 
could be used as the role model for all volunteer leaders. To the 
people of Long Island Michael will be remembered as a Scoutmaster, 
Postman, animal sanctuary provider, and a neighbor that was always 
willing to offer a helping hand regardless of the situation. To me he 
will be remembered as a person that had a profound effect on the way I 
conduct myself in my life.
  Colleague, Michael's warmth and dedication to the youth will be 
surely missed.




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