[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 58 (Thursday, April 10, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E715-E716]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO MATTHEW J. RYAN, A LEGACY OF PUBLIC SERVICE, COMPASSION, AND 
                             STATESMANSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. CURT WELDON

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 9, 2003

  Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
memory of Speaker Matthew J. Ryan, a 21-term member of the Pennsylvania 
House of Representatives and second longest-serving Speaker in state 
history. Few Commonwealth leaders have matched the record of public 
service attained by Speaker Matthew J. Ryan. As one of Pennsylvania's 
finest public servants, he truly left this world a better place.
  Speaker Ryan, a former First Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps, was 
an attorney by profession. He was elected Speaker for the first time in 
1981. Throughout his distinguished tenure, Speaker Ryan was known and 
lauded by his colleagues from both sides of the aisle for the 
nonpartisan, fair manner in which he presided. Those of us who had the 
privilege to work with him on behalf of our mutual constituency knew 
him to be a man of great passion, compassion, and principle who worked 
with skill and determination for the best interests of the Commonwealth 
of Pennsylvania and the Nation. I looked to him for guidance on many 
occasions and could always rely on him for good solid advice on issues 
affecting our mutual constituencies.
  Speaker Ryan would readily tell the House freshmen that the qualities 
of an outstanding legislator are ``skill at listening and 
understanding, respecting others'' strengths and accepting their 
limitations, commitment and courage, and learning the art of 
compromise.''
  He did not seek public service for fame or glory, he sought simply to 
help people. In an era of cynicism towards those in public life, 
Speaker Ryan reminded us of why we serve. His legacy will endure not 
only in the principles he stood for and the improvements he brought to 
his beloved Pennsylvania, but also his wonderful family, his wife, 
Judge Patricia Jenkins and children. They, too, carry Matt Ryan's 
commitment to public service and community.
  Speaker Ryan will long be remembered in the halls of the Pennsylvania 
House of Representatives. It is a better institution because of his 
service and leadership. More importantly, he was an effective public 
servant and improved the lives of thousands of families in his state 
and beloved Delaware County.
  Mr. Speaker, our region has lost a great leader, and I have lost a 
good friend. Matt Ryan exemplified the spirit of service that has made 
this country great. It is proper to remember and honor a man of such 
worth and character with great respect for what he stood for.

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