[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 22 (Thursday, February 6, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E146]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN REMEMBRANCE OF JULIAN FRANCIS DePREE, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARK STEVEN KIRK

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 2003

  Mr. KIRK.  Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to 
say a few words about the life of Julian Francis DePree, Jr. (Jeff) who 
died suddenly over the weekend from natural causes. He proudly served 
his country, was a successful and ethical businessman, a loyal husband, 
and a devoted father.
  Jeff DePree, in the eyes of his family and friends, had a ``larger 
than life'' personality, but, first and foremost, he was a caring 
father to his four children and a devoted husband to his wife Joan. 
Jeff was born on March 9, 1944, in Mt. Kisco, New York. He later 
graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, and received 
his Masters degree from Columbia University in New York City.
  Jeff served his country in Vietnam as an Intelligence Officer in the 
199th Infantry Brigade. He survived two tours of duty and was awarded 
two Bronze Stars for his service as well as an Air Medal. Jeff was also 
an avid sportsman and conservationist enjoying golf, boating, fishing, 
and racquet sports, a love for which he passed onto his children.
  Jeff was also a keen businessman. He was co-founder of a financial 
services company that specialized in leasing and equity financing for 
major industrial projects. He became an industry leader among 
structured finance specialists and advised many of the nations largest 
finance companies on their investments. Jeff was very active in local 
community affairs, having served on the Lake Forest Hospital Board, as 
well as the City's Cemetery Commission.
  Most of all, Jeff brought great fun to everyone. He was an excellent 
storyteller, singer, guitar player and dancer. When in the company of 
Jeff, his engaging and entertaining personality was infectious. Jeff 
was indicative of thousands of Americans who quietly go about their 
daily lives contributing to the greatness of our nation through their 
personal character and conduct.
  Jeff's passing is an immense loss to his family and his community. 
His life was cut short, but I am certain his children will carry on his 
legacy in a way that would make their father very proud. I offer my 
condolences to his wife Joan, and his children Katie (Jess), Austin, 
Randy, Spencer and his grandson, William. May they take comfort in 
knowing they have been blessed to have had such a wonderful person in 
their lives. He will be greatly missed.

                          ____________________