[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 10 (Thursday, January 18, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  MOURNING THE LOSS OF THOMAS G. LYONS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 18, 2007

  Mr. EMANUEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of my 
friend Tom Lyons, and I offer my deepest condolences to his family 
after his passing at the age of 75. Tom was a dedicated public servant 
who touched many lives and consistently rose to any challenge that came 
his way.
  Thomas G. Lyons was born in Chicago in 1931, and he served his 
country honorably throughout his life. As a student at Loyola 
University of Chicago's School of Law, Mr. Lyons enlisted in the Army, 
where he rose to the rank of Captain in the Army Rangers, garnering 
recognition for his leadership and spirit.
  Mr. Lyons took his lessons from Law School and the Army to his 
service as a litigator for the Cook County Assessor's Office, and later 
for the Illinois Attorney General's Office.
  In 1964, Mr. Lyons successfully ran for a seat in the Illinois State 
Senate, where he would ascend to the Chairmanship of the State Senate 
Appropriations Committee.
  In 1990, Mr. Lyons was elected to the Chairmanship of the Cook County 
Democratic Party, where he was its proud steward and a strong presence 
for seventeen years until his passing. During this period, Tom served 
with devotion and humility, always willing to lend a hand to any 
candidate, regardless of the scope or influence of the particular 
office.
  In 1994, Tom was the recipient of an executive appointment by 
President Clinton to the American Battle Monuments Commission, in 
recognition of his years of service to our Nation and our military.
  For over 40 years, Mr. Lyons dedicated his life to our Nation with 
steadfast dedication, humility, and geniality. In his home of Cook 
County, Tom's legacy of leadership will remain for years to come. Mr. 
Lyons is succeeded by his wife, Ruth, his three children, Alexandra, 
Rachel, and Thomas, and his eight grand-children. I extend my deepest 
condolences and gratitude to the family of Mr. Lyons. We will miss him.

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