[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 138 (Tuesday, December 7, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2192]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO MR. EDWARD O. WAYSON, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 7, 2004

  Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my 
friend, a true American patriot, Mr. Edward O. Wayson, Jr.
  Ed Wayson passed away on December 4, 2004 and his funeral was held 
today in his beloved city of Annapolis, Maryland. For all who attended 
today's service, it was clear that Ed was a man of incredible character 
and integrity. He was a man who touched so many lives personally and 
professionally through his humor and sheer joy of life. He believed in 
making the most of every moment he had and I speak for many when I say 
his moments were far too few in number.
  Ed Wayson was a dear friend of mine and I would like to also pay 
tribute to his family. He is survived by his brother Boone, his wife of 
eight years Jeannine, his mother Ruth Ann, his first wife Beth along 
with their daughters Sarah and Anne, and his stepdaughter Kacey. Ed 
Wayson was a very successful man on many levels, but he was most proud 
of his family. It was impossible to have a conversation with Ed without 
him mentioning Sarah or Anne. I would like to extend my sincerest 
thoughts and prayers from my family to his.
  Ed Wayson was an active citizen who embraced the American democratic 
experience fully. Through political campaigns, local charities, 
lobbying, foundation work, and serving on boards including the Anne 
Arundel County Bar Association and the Annapolis--Anne Arundel Chamber 
of Commerce--Ed did not just talk about making a difference, he worked 
to make the world better for all of us.
  During the funeral service today, it was said that this quote from 
Abraham Lincoln best describes Ed Wayson, and I would have to agree. 
``Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow 
is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.'' Ed Wayson was the 
real thing and the world is a better place for him.

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