[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 106 (Friday, July 29, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1717]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   PAYING TRIBUTE TO MR. KEITH QUERRY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 28, 2005

  Mr. CLEAVER. Mr Speaker, I proudly rise today to pay tribute to Mr. 
Lyle K. Querry, a political activist, humanitarian, and a man of faith, 
whose legacy continues to enrich the lives of all Kansas Citians. After 
24 years of service, Keith, as he is known by all his friends, retired 
on June 30, 2005, as the Business Manager and Financial Secretary for 
the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, IBEW, Local 53. 
His dedication and commitment spanned 48 years as a member of IBEW and 
his service to the Kansas City community is the reason for this 
recognition and celebration.
  Keith's reputation as a leader within the International Brotherhood 
of Electrical Workers, the community, and political organizations 
extends beyond the borders of the Fifth Congressional District of 
Missouri and even of our Nation. Among the many accolades Keith has 
received over the years was the prestigious Outstanding Leadership 
Award by the Heart of America United Way in 1988. In 1995, he received 
the distinguished Harry S. Truman Democratic Achievement Award, named 
in honor of a former Independence, Missouri, resident, and one of our 
country's most respected public servants, the 33rd President of the 
United States. Keith's steadfast commitment to and respect by the IBEW 
was rewarded when he was named to the Law Committee for their 33rd and 
34th conventions held in 1986 and in 1988, respectively. As of July 1 
of this year and despite ``retiring'', Keith was appointed as an 
International Representative for the International Brotherhood of 
Electrical Workers.
  Keith has not only been an active member of the IBEW and many 
political organizations, he has also contributed his time, energy, and 
expertise to numerous civic organizations in the metropolitan area. He 
has served as an executive board member of the Heart of America Central 
Labor Council, was a board member of the National Conference of 
Christians and Jews, and a board member of the Jackson County United 
Way. He is currently serving on the boards of Blue Cross and Blue 
Shield of Kansas City, the Labor Management Council of Greater Kansas 
City, as a member of the executive committee of the Missouri State 
Democratic Party, as a committeeman for the 8th Senatorial District, 
and as chairman of both the IBEW Outside Task Force and Local 53 Safety 
Committee. He also serves as chairman for both the Missouri Valley Line 
Constructors Apprenticeship and Training group as well as the Line 
Construction Benefit Fund.
  Born in 1938, a graduate of Fort Osage High School and a member of 
St. Matthews Presbyterian Church, Keith and his lovely wife Sandy will 
celebrate their 45th anniversary in October of this year. They are the 
proud parents of two daughters, Ronda and Tricia, and grandparents to 
five grandchildren, Marissa, Robert, Allen, Shannon, and Tyler. Over 
the years, Keith and Sandy have been one of the most influential and 
respected couples within the Missouri Democratic Party and have 
regularly been delegates at Democratic National Conventions.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in expressing our heartfelt gratitude to 
Mr. Lyle Keith Querry, for his relentless efforts in protecting and 
assisting the rights of others, while extending the labor movement, not 
only within the boundaries of the Fifth Congressional District, but 
within the United States and the entire global community. He represents 
the best in all of us. I urge my colleagues of the 109th Congress to 
please join me in congratulating Keith on his retirement from the 2,000 
member Local 53 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. 
Although we know that he has not completely retired, the desire of this 
body is that Keith Querry will enjoy the community he helped build.

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