[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 86 (Friday, June 30, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1180-E1181]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TOM RYAN: A TRIBUTE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES L. OBERSTAR

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 29, 2000

  Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a truly great 
American, Thomas J. Ryan, whom the Lord claimed for eternal life 
earlier this month.
  Tom Ryan's 87 years were lived with the joy, wit, humor, intensity, 
and love of life unique to his Irish ancestry. Tom Ryan was husband 
twice: to Eileen, who preceded him in death; and to Miriam, with whom 
he shared 42 glorious years; he was father of 13, grandfather of 42, 
and great-grandfather of 36 and loved them all equally and dearly.
  Tom Ryan served his country in the Navy during World War II; and, 
again, during the Korean conflict, as Special Assistant U.S. Attorney 
prosecuting OPS violations. He served the city of St. Paul as assistant 
city Attorney, the people of the 55th legislative district in the 
Minnesota House of Representatives, and served the people of Pine, 
Isanti, and Chisago counties in the Minnesota State Senate, making his 
mark with important legislation affecting the judiciary, towns and 
counties, veterans, and highways.
  This brief recitation of only the highlights of Tom's professional 
life shows abundantly that he was a man who, in Justice Oliver Wendell 
Holmes' words, ``lived grandly in the law''--meaning that he was 
devoted to and an advocate of the law. He was also devoted to public 
service as a calling and a vocation.
  Tom Ryan was my friend, counselor, and role model in his commitment 
to his family first, and to the people whom he so ably served in both 
elective and appointive office.
  Tom Ryan's life and legacy might best be summed up by a scripture 
verse I have always loved, from Proverbs, ch. 18, v. 31: ``Gray hair is 
a crown of glory;'' it is gained by virtuous living.''
  I will miss Tom greatly; but he will always be a part of my life and 
an inspiration to my public service. Tom, and especially Miriam, as 
well as all their beautiful family, will always be in my prayers.
  Mr. Speaker, I submit for the Record the following obituary which 
appeared in numerous newspapers, as well as the beautiful poem, ``The 
Heart of Solid Gold,'' written by Tom's loving daughter, Gloria Baker.

                             Thomas J. Ryan


                            10/3/12--6/8/00

       On October 3, 1912, Irishman, Thomas Joseph Ryan was born 
     in Portland, Oregon. In 1935 he graduated from College of St. 
     Thomas with a BA degree in social and political science. In 
     1943 he graduated from the William Mitchell School of Law 
     with an LLB degree and was admitted to the practice of law in 
     the state of Minnesota. His personal commitment to the field 
     of law would not allow him to retire and he continued his 
     private practice until the time of his passing.
       From 1943 to 1946 he served in the U.S. Navy as Lieutenant 
     J.G. After his discharge he was engaged in the general 
     practice of law in Milaca area. During the Korean war he was 
     appointed Special Assistant U.S. District attorney in the 
     prosecution of OPS violations. Thereafter, he was appointed 
     assistant city attorney for the city of St. Paul, in which 
     capacity he served six years. He had been connected with the 
     Minnesota attorney general's office as special assistant in 
     the trial of jury cases in highway condemnation matters and 
     in writing opinions on municipal law.
       His specialty while in the city attorney's office was in 
     research and drafting legislation and in presenting proposals 
     to the legislature.
       He served as state representative of the old 55th district. 
     As a member of the legislature he served upon many important 
     committees such as the committees on judiciary, highways, 
     towns and counties, and veterans and military affairs.
       He ran for the office of state senator in the new 21st 
     district comprising of Chisago, Isanti and Pine counties in 
     1962. He served as Pine County Attorney from 1974-1980, until 
     his retirement, at which time he continued his private law 
     practice in the Pine County area.
       Thomas was preceded in death by his first wife Eileen 
     (Fitzgerald), his parents, Thomas and Alice (Doyle) Ryan, 
     brother Dr. James Ryan, son, Thomas J. (Ryan) Jr., infant 
     Mary (Ryan), infant grandson Patrick Johnson, and numerous 
     other relatives and friends.
       He is survived by and sorely missed by his second wife and 
     best friend of over 42 years, Miriam (Young Mueller), 13 
     children; Kathleen (Ryan) and Terrance Oakes, Ortonville; 
     Constance (Ryan) and Thomas Oakes, Marine on the St. Croix; 
     Thomas and Phyllis Mueller, Aitken; John Ryan, Astoria, 
     Oregon; Patricia (Ryan) and Denis Paine, Isanti; Paul and 
     Judy Mueller, Apple Valley; Michael Ryan and fiance Helen 
     Bartell, Mora; Carol (Mueller) and Roger Abdella, Pine City; 
     Rosemary (Mueller) and Lawrence Perreault, Pine City; Gloria 
     (Mueller) and Ralph Baker, Pine City; Mary (Mueller) and 
     Dennis Willert, Pine City; Therese (Mueller) and Richard 
     Prihoda, Pine City; Shawn (Ryan) and Douglas Johnson, Pine 
     City, also survived by 42 grandchildren, 36 great 
     grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.
       Visitation and prayer service at Swanson Funeral Chapel, 
     Pine City, Sunday, June 11, from 4:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Funeral 
     mass celebration and burial will be on Monday, June 12, at 
     10:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church in Pine City, 
     with Father Michael Lyons officiating.
       His legacy of love for family, involvement and vitality for 
     life will continue to be an inspiration to us all. In life he 
     was teaching us, in his passing he taught us. Rest in the 
     peace and love of the Lord, and meet us at heaven's gate when 
     it is our turn.
       Thomas graduated from the College of St. Thomas and William 
     Mitchell School of Law. He served in the U.S. Navy as 
     Lieutenant J.G. 1943 to 1946. After discharge he practiced 
     law in the Milaca area. During the Korean War he was 
     appointed Special Assistant U.S. District Attorney in the 
     prosecution of OPS violations. He was appointed Assistant 
     City Attorney for the city of St. Paul, and served for six 
     years. Through the Minnesota Attorney General's Office he was 
     a special assistant in the trial of jury cases in highway 
     condemnation matters and in writing opinions on municipal 
     law. He was state representative of the old 55th district. In 
     1962 he ran for the office of state senator in the new 21st 
     district comprising of Chisago, Isanti, and Pine Counties. He 
     served as Pine County Attorney from 1974-1980, until his 
     retirement, at which time he continued his private practice 
     in the Pine County area until his passing.
       Preceding him in death are his first wife Eileen 
     (Fitzgerald), parents Thomas and Alice (Doyle) Ryan, brother 
     Dr. James Ryan, son Thomas, infant Mary, grandson Patrick 
     Johnson, and numerous other relatives. Survived by second 
     wife of over 42 years, Miriam, 13 children, 42 grandchildren, 
     36 great grandchildren.
       Visitation and prayer service at Swanson Funeral Chapel, 
     Pine City, Sunday, June 11, 4:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Funeral mass 
     and burial are Monday, June 12, 10:30 a.m. at the Immaculate 
     Conception Church.

                                  ____
                                  

                        The Heart of Solid Gold

                            By Gloria Baker

     Dad was the man with a solid gold heart from other men this 
           set him apart.
     A husband, a father, and a dad too, for anyone can be a 
           father but only someone special can be a dad.
     He was a friend and teacher and sometimes was even a preacher 
           to this I'll explain.

     As a lawyer his love was to keep law and order that was at 
           times so trying for support he could have used a brick 
           wall filled with mortar.

     He lived life following his golden rule. His convictions so 
           strong he was stubborn as a mule
     ``Innocent until proven guilty'' Much time spent representing 
           family and friend, defending, prosecuting and closing 
           realty.

     An exceptionally special adult generous to a fault.
     Many times working gratis whether intended or not, often 
           putting him in a spot.
     He'd give away his last dime and the shirt off his back.

     Well known for the gift to talk of which one dared not balk.
     He once aspired to be a district court judge.
     Served the people as he represented us in the days long 
           before politicians toured on bus.

     All of his life he remained active
     often entering into debate that became reactive.
     With a passion for politics
     he was staunchly Democratic Farmer Labor, the DFL this was no 
           secret everyone could tell.
     Verbally opinionated
     carrying on conversations until someone
     surrenders or when he would become satiated.

     A strong Catholic and love of god
     There were Wednesday night family Rosary meetings
     first come got the best seating there were no pressures just 
           told to come if you could.
     Though we sometimes were too tired, we felt like we should.

     Many trips by plane, boat, rail, or in the car with mom they 
           would go far.
     The Carribean, Mexico, Canada, Africa, Spain and Ireland.
     All over the states in this great big beautiful land

     The car was pre-programmed to stop at P.Q.s From this we have 
           all learned to take the cue.
     Eating healthy a must
     in the banana split he put his trust

     Playing cards he was sharp; 500 or bridge
     on rotating teams he would play.
     His partner of choice was mom
     Often a winner he would beam

[[Page E1181]]

     for they made the best team.

     Like a cowboy ready to draw
     Sitting in his electronic easy chair he was armed with a 
           remote in each hand with a push of a button it would 
           boost him to stand.
     Chocolates or ice cream along side
     he surfed the channels with all of his might.
     He watched the TV news that kept him in light

     For lady luck he did look like searching through the pages of 
           a great new book.
     A favorite machine he did have it was the slot called one-
           eyed jacks.
     Like life, it was a gamble bells and whistles sometimes would 
           ramble.

     His family his pride and joy as if they were a child's new 
           toy.
     He puffed up his chest bigger than the rest.
     Filled with love he would always brag.

     Like a lion I must boast proudly of this man we called dad, 
           husband and friend. Until the very end a handsome Irish 
           man.
     Full of dignity, pride, peace, and grace sometimes as 
           delicate as fine lace, always, and even with his 
           failing health he gave us a wealth of gifts to carry in 
           our hearts.
     Numerous wonderful ``I Love You's'' as if he couldn't tell us 
           enough from this man he who sometimes played tough.
     Hand dances, singing the Rose of Tralee, conversations, or 
           just smiles, and those beautiful dancing Irish eyes all 
           never to part.

     His golden heart of love stopped beating and with that a part 
           of ours did too, but his legacy of love for family, 
           involvement and vitality for life will continue to be 
           an inspiration to us.
     In life he was teaching us in his passing he taught us.

     Rest in the peace and love of the Lord, Dad, and meet us at 
           heavens gate when it is our turn.

           

                          ____________________