[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 68 (Friday, May 20, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1037]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO THE LATE WARREN ``CLIP'' SMITH
______
HON. THOMAS M. REYNOLDS
of new york
in the house of representatives
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to
pay tribute to the late Warren ``Clip'' Smith, a veteran broadcast
personality and civic leader who touched the lives of thousands through
his career and work in the Western New York community. The life-long
Lockport resident is fondly remembered by thousands following his
unexpected passing on August 21, 2004.
From the 1960s on, the ``Clipper,'' as he was commonly referred, was
a respected name in the radio and television industry, earning a
reputation for his strong opinions, as well as his quick wit and one-
liner quips. His career began as Operations Manager and Director of
News and Sports for WUSJ Radio, now known as WLVL in Lockport. He went
on to serve as anchor, reporter and sports play-by-play announcer with
WKBW-TV Channel 7 in Buffalo, New York, from 1971 to 1989, later
working as a reporter and talk show host with WGR Radio in Buffalo from
1991 to 1995. Clip was also a widely recognized commentator and
reporter with WBEN Radio in Buffalo. Finally, from 1990 until the time
of his death, Clip served as anchor, reporter and in public relations
for the Empire Sports Network in Buffalo.
The multi-talented Clipper also was a musician. He was a member of
the Lockport Federation of Musicians and a professional member of the
American Federation of Musicians; Clip was a concert soloist on the
trombone, euphonium, tuba and string bass.
But above all else, Clip will be remembered for the active civic role
he played, always ready to take up the citizens' cause on a variety of
issues. Clip served on a local board of education from 2003-2004, was
active with Lockport Rotary Club, Literacy Volunteers, Buffalo City
Mission, New York State Recycling Congress, and the Niagara County
Republican Committee. He also was a member of several local unions.
Western New Yorkers will always remember Clip as a respected
community leader and a dear friend.
Mr. Speaker, I ask that this Congress join me in honoring the late
Warren ``Clip'' Smith, and recognize his years of service to the
community and broadcast industry.
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