[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 12, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E9334]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN MEMORY OF THE LATE LAWRENCE BANKOWSKI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 12, 1999

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
outstanding craftsman and labor leader in my District. Lawrence 
Bankowski, retired President of the American Flint Glass Workers Union 
(AFGWU), left this world on April 10, 1999 at the age of 68 after a 
long and valiant struggle with cancer.
  Born in Mt. Clemens, MI, Larry grew up in North Toledo, graduating 
from Woodward High School and attending the University of Toledo. He 
often worked up to three jobs at a time, and joined the AFGWU in 1955 
when he went to work as a moldmaker for Ohio Permanent Mold Company, 
where he remained until 1973 when he was elected international union 
representative. He rose through the ranks in 25 years of dedicated 
service to the union, retiring as its International President in 1999. 
In representing the 121 year old AFGWU and its 18,000 members, Larry 
traveled to other countries, met with President Clinton, and served on 
the U.S. Department of Labor's Advisory Committee on Trade 
Negotiations. He always championed the cause of working people, 
constantly urging that U.S. companies' production remain in the United 
States and that trade laws benefit workers everywhere.
  A very wise leader, Larry was diligent in his life long efforts and 
embodied the men and women he represented in the AFGWU. Throughout his 
years of service in the international union, he kept his focus on the 
needs of the rank and file, never losing sight that the men and women 
making up the AFGWU and their futures were what mattered most. He 
understood that union working men and women can unite to fight for 
their economic, social and political best interests.
  Larry Bankowski was also a dedicated family man, relishing time spent 
with his wife, children, and grandchildren. In the years I have been 
privileged to know him, his wife Betty, or one of his children or 
grandchildren always accompanied him. There is no way to adequately 
express our heartfelt condolences to Betty, their children Carol, 
Kathy, and Karen, his sisters and brother and grandchildren. May you 
find comfort in knowing Larry is at peace, and lives in the light he 
left shining in each of you, and of us. His kindness, dedication, and 
gentlemanly demeanor make our community and world finer and more 
humane.

                          ____________________