[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 83 (Wednesday, June 16, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1136]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE OF JOHN REES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 16, 2004

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of 
Mr. John Rees--Award-winning journalist, devoted family man, and friend 
and mentor to many, whose life touched the lives of countless people, 
including my own.
  Mr. Rees' 45-year career in journalism reflected honesty, ethics, and 
a real connection to the people he wrote about. His ability to pierce 
through the murky waters of a complex story and uncover the truth of 
the matter set him apart from most reporters. He was honored numerous 
times with prestigious awards for excellence in journalism, including a 
Cleveland Press Club Award, and a resolution of honor passed by 
Cleveland City Council in tribute to his significant career. 
Additionally, Mr. Rees was inducted into the Cleveland Journalism Hall 
of Fame in 1989.
  Though his work was held in high esteem within the Cleveland 
newspaper circuit, accolades and awards did not impress Mr. Rees; 
honesty, ethics and writing the straight story did. He understood the 
power of the printed word and upheld his unbreakable personal and 
professional ethics with every word he wrote.
  The exceptional person reflected the exceptional writer. Mr. Rees 
gained the confidence and trust of people from all walks of life. His 
respect and concern for others was demonstrated consistently throughout 
his life and he extended himself beyond the bounds of where most people 
dare to go--reaching out to others in need, literally saving the lives 
of two individuals while on the beat.
  Directly following graduation from St. Francis Commercial High School 
in Cleveland, Mr. Rees began working as an office boy at the old 
Cleveland News. Bolstered by natural born talent, true grit and keen 
observation skills, Mr. Rees worked his way up from office boy, to 
reporter, to eventually becoming the paper's city editor despite being 
told by a superior that he would not amount to anything.
  Whether covering crime stories, the political scene or labor issues, 
Mr. Rees forged strong connections of trust and respect with people 
throughout all facets of our Cleveland community. He offered everyone 
the same respect and interest, regardless of their social status, and 
people loved him for it.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance 
of my friend, John Rees. Today we mourn his passing and celebrate his 
life. I offer my condolences to his daughter; Rosemary; sons, Jack and 
Richard; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and also to his 
extended family and many friends. I also acknowledge the memory of his 
beloved wife, Freda. John Rees' journalistic talent, unwavering ethics 
and genuine kindness consistently framed his exemplary career and 
defined his life. His legacy will live on within the hearts of those 
who knew and loved him well, today, and for generations to come.

                          ____________________