[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 72 (Thursday, June 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1086]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO DICK LAWLER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SHERWOOD BOEHLERT

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 8, 2006

  Mr. BOEHLERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dick Lawler, a long-
time friend, who after dedicating 35 years of his heart and soul to the 
field of journalism has reached one of life's greatest milestones, and 
will finally take his well-deserved retirement.
  Dick is known by his peers as someone with an invigorating ability to 
reach people in a way that leaves a lasting positive impression. 
Evidence of such can be found in one of Dick's classic euphemisms, ``If 
it were easy, everyone would do it.'' Those words speak volume to the 
character of this great man.
  That said Mr. Speaker, if it were easy, everyone would have a loving 
wife, devoted children, and adoring grandchildren. Everyone would raise 
a family worthy of respect from their friends and peers.
  If it were easy, everyone would devote themselves to their community. 
We would all find the time to help children, serve our neighbors, and 
make the community that raised us a better place to grow up in.
  If it were easy we would all be passionate about our jobs and our 
professions. Our work would exhibit the enthusiasm we feel every day, 
and our patrons would recognize the joy we feel from serving them. We 
would become legends in our own time, and admired for our skills.
  If it were easy, everyone would do it.
  For over 35 years, Dick has been a consummate journalistic 
professional who has sought to further hone and craft his skills every 
day. He is a man who was dedicated to the pursuit of both truth and a 
good story. A man who sat with Henry Kissinger, Robert F. Kennedy, 
school children, and shopkeepers equally.
  In his private life he has dedicated countless hours to raising funds 
for children's hospitals and improving our community. It is these good 
works that have truly endeared him to us. For many years, my wife and I 
have often been privileged to share the company of his family. From 
backyard barbeques to cheering on our hometown Utica Blue Sox with our 
fellow ``bleacher bums,'' Dick and his wife Jackie have always been a 
treasured part of our lives.
  Very little in life is easy, but Dick has always managed to approach 
life with a grace and simplicity that makes it seem effortless. As a 
journalist, a father, and a friend, Dick has spent the last 35 years 
tantalizing us with how easy life can seem when you work hard to reach 
your goals.
  I wish him tremendous success in his retirement from journalism, I 
know all too well that it is never easy to leave your passion. And if 
it truly were that easy, everyone would do it.

                          ____________________