[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 64 (Friday, May 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E844]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    TRIBUTE TO MR. RICHARD ``DICK'' W. DILLON OF HUTCHINSON, KANSAS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY MORAN

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 16, 2002

  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
man who affected the lives of many people in Kansas and across the 
country. This month we honor the life of Mr. Richard ``Dick'' Dillon of 
Hutchinson, Kansas. Dick fulfilled many important roles in his life--
each of them with integrity, passion and enthusiasm.
  Dick proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 
two stints, culminating in active duty service during the Korean War.
  Dick's dedication to his hometown was unsurpassed. Throughout his 
life, he took a lead role in making certain his community of Hutchinson 
was progressive in pursuits of education, culture and other quality of 
life issues. His leadership and service on the board of directors for 
the community foundation, school district, hospital and church were 
always marked with trademark humor and a keen emphasis on questioning 
and listening.
  Dick was, by every account, a successful businessman. Along with his 
brother, Ray ``Ace'' Dillon, Jr., and his cousin, Paul, Dick worked to 
develop Dillons Stores--his father's grocery business--into a 
nationwide retailer. It later became part of the Kroger Company family. 
Those whom he interacted with for over 40 years wholeheartedly agree on 
the impact of his vision and dedication to the business. His colleagues 
summed up their goodbye this way: ``Dick was short on ceremony and long 
on giving credit to others. He helped us all walk a little taller.'' I 
can think of no finer compliment.
  Most important to Dick was his family. Over the course of 50 years, 
he and his wife, Carolyn, raised three sons, Brad, Reed and Steve, and 
devoted endless love and attention to their six grandchildren.
  Dick fulfilled many important roles in his life, and in each of those 
roles made his community, state and nation a better place. I join his 
many friends and admirers in extending my deepest sympathies to Carolyn 
and her family during their time of loss.

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