[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 76 (Thursday, June 9, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1186-E1187]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF RICHARD ``DICK'' SMYSER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ZACH WAMP

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 9, 2005

  Mr. WAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a 
devoted and well-respected Tennessean, Mr. Richard ``Dick'' Smyser. 
Dick passed away on March 14th of this year at the age of 81. His deep 
devotion to his community and to the well-being of everyone leaves a 
legacy carried on by the lives he touched.
  Mr. Smyser was born and raised in York, Pennsylvania, before 
graduating in 1944 from Pennsylvania State College with a degree in 
journalism. His dream to pursue writing, however, was put aside to 
answer a greater call. In 1943, he enlisted in the United States Army 
and served with distinction overseas in Algeria and Italy rising to the 
rank of corporal.
  Upon returning to Pennsylvania, Mr. Smyser continued on the path he 
had left and began reporting news for The Chester Times, now The 
Delaware County Times. In 1948, Dick was named managing editor of The 
Oak Ridger, the first and only newspaper in the small East Tennessee 
town of Oak Ridge. Oak Ridge, Tennessee, was created for the important 
work on the World War II bomb, commonly referred to as the Manhattan 
project. He was a pioneer and helped shape Oak Ridge into the town it 
is today.
  With a large number of scientists living and working in the area, Mr. 
Smyser became active in science writing circles, with a focus on 
nuclear science. For eighteen years he served on the Council for the 
Advancement of Science Writing's board of directors. He was a member of 
numerous media and science boards and a highly sought after speaker and 
panelist.
  Under Mr. Smyser's leadership, The Oak Ridger grew substantially and 
won numerous awards and accolades for its coverage of the 
transformation of Oak Ridge. His contribution not only to the 
development of journalism in East Tennessee but to the entire community 
is

[[Page E1187]]

significant. Before his retirement he insured that generations of young 
writers could make an impact in the field of journalism, as he did, by 
passing on his vast knowledge as a visiting professor at universities 
across the country.
  Dick Smyser was not a personal friend of mine. After all, I am a 
politician, and he is a journalist. So, we could not be ``friends.'' 
However, I had many occasions to converse with him and enjoy his warmth 
and depth of perspective on Oak Ridge and our mutual commitments to 
this very special place.
  Dick Smyser was simply a classic human being who was good to his 
family and friends. His departure from this earth left a large void, 
and we will always miss him but never forget him.
  May his legacy endure in the many lives that he touched and inspired.

                          ____________________