[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 176 (Tuesday, December 9, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2521-E2522]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN MEMORY OF THE GOOD LIFE OF HENRY KALINSKI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 8, 2003

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply, privileged today to extend on 
behalf of the Kaptur and Rogowski families and my brother Steve and 
myself sincerest appreciation to each of you for offering your support, 
comfort, and love to Hank's beautiful wife of 50 years, Jackie, and the 
entire Kalinski family; Linda and Bob, Diane and Jim, Debbie and Jeff; 
to Hank's sisters Vergie, Sophie, Esther and in memoriam of Angie, Jean 
and his brother Edward; to his treasured gandchilden, Brian, Heather, 
Matthew, Kevin, Eric, Shawn, Stacey, and in memory of Jason; and to his 
four great grandchildren, Tyler, Justin, Connor and Alexis; and his 
nieces and nephews.
  We join together today to pay tribute, in sorrow, but also in 
celebration, of the life of a patriarch, the father of his family, of a 
truly good man from a working class family, who loved life. What a 
lasting gift Hank is to each of us--a happy man. He is smiling on us 
now, for surely he knew we would be here together with Jackie, at this 
family gathering. He enjoyed being with family more than anything else 
in the world. He is experiencing a peace now that the world could not 
give. Hank remains with us now in a spiritual way.
  Hank had more than a smile. He had a grin. We all loved to laugh with 
Hank. That wonderful laugh that came from deep within--not too loud, 
but genuine. You knew he wouldn't want anyone to be sad, but to be 
gratified he lived the life he wished to live for most of his years. 
And Jackie, you and your family bestowed on him the greatest gift of 
his life--your unconditional and constant love.
  As he was asked to bear this enormous cross of affliction for so many 
years, you walked at his side. He did so with a rare dignity born of 
uncommon strength and raw courage. He would want us to cheer his decade 
long marathon and his family's deep devotion. His suffering became a 
prayer for all of us and our poor world. Every person who witnessed 
this great ``Kalinski prayer of devotion'' was changed by its power. 
Who can ever forget the nurses and doctors who would be overcome by 
Hank's grin and laughter, even under the most difficult circumstances. 
The glint in Hank's eyes had no equal.
  Now, can you imagine he was the father of three daughters, and the 
brother of five sisters. But, he was a man's man, a husband to an 
exceptional wife, a true friend to his sons-in-law, a man who knew how 
to stand by his loved ones, a builder, a veteran. He was always there, 
sometimes not uttering a word. He was a Gary Cooper type of character, 
a quiet strength. He didn't have to show it off.
  Happy. Kind. Generous. Funny. Hardworking. Wise. A family man who 
took unending delight in his grandchildren and

[[Page E2522]]

great-grandchildren crawling at his feet or sitting on his lap. You 
never heard him utter an unkind word. So many precious memories: 
Christmas, Easter, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, parties and more 
parties. perch fishing, darts, his gardens, homemade gifts like the 
wooden horses that held address plates for our homes, Pearl and Wersell 
streets, his dog Puck.

  I can recall how he went out of his way for each of us. He would make 
such an effort to meet me along the Lagrange Street Parade route, year 
after year. Always there. If Hollywood were to cast a true husband and 
father, brother and friend, they would cast Hank in the leading role.
  You still will find him with you--in unexpected moments. You will 
know he is there, and everything will be all right. I once asked a holy 
woman why God gave such trials to people who are so good. ``To make us 
strong,'' she said. Hank taught us love, joy, and perseverance. He has 
been a man for others, who showed us how to love life.
  May God carry his soul gently in his passage to peace. We know God 
joins with us today as we pray, ``Sleep well my good and faithful 
servant.''

                          ____________________