[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 53 (Thursday, April 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E631-E632]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 ON THE PASSING OF JUDGE JOHN R. PERRY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 22, 2004

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with heartfelt sadness to 
acknowledge the death of a great public servant to the State of 
Michigan. On April 12, 2004, Judge John R. Perry was killed by a hit-
and-run driver while walking home. John Perry was known for his passion 
for the law and for the legal process and for the enthusiasm and 
commitment he brought to his family and his community.
  Judge Perry was born in Wyandotte, MI on January 11, 1931. He earned 
his law degree from the University of Detroit School of Law in 1958 and 
since then he has never looked back, embarking on a 24-year career as 
an attorney and serving as a mentor to many young lawyers as they 
worked their way through the course of their legal profession. In 1982, 
Mr. Perry was appointed to the 36th District Court bench and served for 
12 years as an executive presiding judge in the court's environmental, 
criminal, and traffic and ordinance divisions. Judge Perry was a great 
friend to the district court, often lending a hand to younger judges 
who joined the court.
  While John was known in part for his legal career, he was also known 
for his compassion, his involvement in the community and his friendship 
to many of us. John was a good husband and father and I extend my 
deepest sympathy to his wife, Suzanne, his two sons,

[[Page E632]]

John and James, his daughter Julie Mulligan, his stepdaughter, Barbara 
Evans, his stepson James Madigan and his seven grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, the State of Michigan lost one of its most important 
leaders; his family has lost a father and husband and many have lost a 
friend. It is with great sadness that we acknowledge his passing but is 
also my honor to acknowledge the important contributions he has made 
throughout his life. I will miss his friendship and the State of 
Michigan will miss his wisdom and service on the bench.

                          ____________________