[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 110 (Monday, September 18, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1509]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN HONOR OF RUSSELL BINNEY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY MORAN

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 18, 2000

  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to a man who 
positively influenced the lives of many people. Earlier this month, Mr. 
Russell Binney of Ulysses, Kansas passed away. Russ fulfilled many 
important roles in his life-each of them with integrity, compassion, 
and dedication.
  Russ proudly served his country in the United States Navy during 
World War II and as a lifelong member of the American Legion. Upon 
returning to Ulysses, he founded Binney Better Foods, Inc. For more 
than 40 years, Russ and his wife Virginia provided retail grocery 
service to the citizens of Grant County. In that time, Russ's business 
experienced and adapted to change. However, one thing remained 
constant: Russ's commitment to providing a quality product with first-
rate customer service.
  Russ served his community in additional ways. He was past president 
of the Ulysses Rotary Club and earlier this year received the Rotary 
2000 Distinguished Service Award. Russ was a leader and former chairman 
of the Grant County Republican Party. He was a member and elder of the 
Shelton Memorial Christian Church. His devoted involvement in Gideon 
International strengthened his faith. In 1990, Russ' friends and 
neighbors recognized his many years of accomplished service by 
selecting him as the Grant County Citizen of the Year.
  I have walked Main streets of many Kansas communities. In Ulysses, my 
objective was always to walk the business district with Russ Binney. 
Everyone liked you if you were with Russ. Always a smile and handshake 
for the men and a kiss for the women. He brightened everyone's day. No 
person in any Kansas town ever received a warmer reception than when 
Russ met one of his customers or neighbors.
  Most important to Russ was his family. Over the course of their 54 
years together, he and Virginia raised their son Cary and daughters 
Janet, Rhonda, and Tammy. They also devoted endless love and attention 
to seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
  Russell fulfilled many important roles in his life-each of them with 
integrity, compassion, and dedication. I join his many friends and 
admirers in extending my deepest sympathies to Virginia and her family 
during their time of loss.

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