[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 114 (Thursday, August 5, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1767]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               A LIFE WELL-LIVED IS A LIFE TO BE EMULATED

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 5, 1999

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, some may say that the secret of a good life 
is fame or fortune. But I believe that the secret of a good life lies 
in the essence of people like Mr. Duane M. Butzin, of Auburn, Michigan. 
For it is the spirit of Mr. Duane M. Butzin that will continue to be 
reflected in our communities and our neighborhoods, despite their 
departing this life for the greater one beyond, that will serve as an 
inspiration to all of us.
  I join with Duane Butzin's family and friends in celebrating the life 
of this fine and upstanding citizen, who quite suddenly left this life 
as a young man of 63 years of age. In his short years, Mr. Butzin was 
an inspiration to all those who knew him and all who witnessed the 
manner in which the filled his life with good deeds, good-natured 
laughter, and the most genuine willingness to help anyone in need, 
whether it be family, friend, or simple acquaintance. Indeed, Mr. 
Speaker, it is this type of individual, such as Mr. Butzin, who makes 
the State of Michigan such a pillar in the United States, and most 
assuredly, it is this type of individual who will remain the 
cornerstone of the future of our great country.
  Mr. Butzin's faith in those around him is evidenced in his wonderful 
family and friends. He was the devoted husband to his beloved wife, 
Eleanor, as well as a loving father to his two daughters Terry and 
Debra. His grandchildren, Ashley, Adam, Mandi and Mariah were a great 
joy and source of pride. His brother, Gary, will most certainly miss 
his companionship, for Mr. Butzin found great solace from the outdoors, 
where he was an avid hunter and fisherman. His joy and delight with 
life are also evidenced with his appreciation of WWC wrestling. I join 
with his wife, children, grandchildren and brother in adding my voice 
to those who say Mr. Butzin's loss is a loss to all of us in the 
community.
  Mr. Butzin's faith was well lived in his daily life and interactions 
with others. He was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church of 
Fisherville and was a strong voice within the Church, both through his 
participation in services and by his being a role model for 
parishioners.
  Mr. Speaker, at a time when the world needs more kind-hearted, 
generous people like Mr. Butzin, it is our deepest sorrow to lose him 
at such a young age. However, his legacy is his wonderful, devoted 
family and his joy and celebration of life, which will continue to 
inspire all who knew him. Please join me in remembering and honoring 
Mr. Duane M. Butzin, and all that his life represents: integrity, 
honesty, devotion to his Church, and a deep and abiding love for his 
wife, Eleanor, and his family. He continues to serve as a role model to 
us all.

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