[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 5, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E135-E136]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL DEAN, POSTMASTER OF HUNTINGTOWN POST OFFICE IN 
                                MARYLAND

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 2003

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, a few weeks ago, the Huntingtown community in 
my district experienced a tragic and untimely loss, a loss to the U.S. 
Postal Service, a loss to the 5th District of Maryland, a loss to a 
community, and a loss to many close family and friends. I wish to take 
a moment today to pay tribute to the memory of Michael Dean, Postmaster 
of the Huntingtown Post Office in Huntingtown, MD.
  Mike Dean tragically died following a motorcycle accident on January 
9, 2003. He was a highly respected Postmaster who had been recognized 
on numerous occasions for his outstanding work with the Postal Service. 
On many occasions, he was given the opportunity to advance his career 
by accepting a well-deserved promotion. He always refused, preferring 
to stay and serve the community of his beloved ``Downtown 
Huntingtown.''
  His accomplishments within the Postal Service, within his community, 
and within his church are so numerous that it is impossible to list 
them all. For the Postal Service, Mike will be remembered as a loyal 
and trusted co-worker. He was a teacher and mentor to newly appointed 
Postmasters. He was a person his manager or a fellow Postmaster could 
call upon when help was needed anywhere, at any time. He was active for 
many years in the National Association of Postmasters of the United 
States. To his employees at the Huntingtown Post Office, he was much 
more than just ``the boss.'' He was a friend, advisor, teacher, and a 
leader by example.
  Mike was appointed Postmaster of Huntingtown 24 years ago, and he 
grew along with the town. Until his death, the bond between Mike Dean 
and his community seemed unbreakable. He served people in every way 
imaginable with grace, humor, and always with a sense of selflessness. 
Mike served on the

[[Page E136]]

board of directors of the United Way of Calvert County, and was a long-
time volunteer with the Meals on Wheels program. He was active with 
local schools, serving on the PTA and establishing a ``Wee Deliver'' 
program to promote reading and writing skills. When a neighbor was ill, 
Mike was there to cut his grass. When a local farmer needed help, Mike 
was there to help strip tobacco.
  As a member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Prince Frederick, 
he served enthusiastically as president of the Men's Club, raising 
funds for the parish for numerous projects. When the parish grew so 
large that it became necessary to create a new parish, he took a 
leadership role in the formation and development of Jesus the Divine 
Word Catholic Church. He leaves behind family, many friends, neighbors, 
and coworkers who mourn his loss deeply.
  Michael Dean's own life was not without sorrow and loss, but he had 
the ability to work his way through the pain and difficulty, and to 
emerge from difficult times still strong in his faith, and ready to 
serve his fellow man. In this way, I would like to take a moment to 
honor the memory of a colleague, a dear friend, and beloved family 
member to so many.

                          ____________________