[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 84 (Tuesday, May 22, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1116]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO TIMOTHY EDWARD BARTLETT, A TRUE FRIEND

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DAVE CAMP

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 22, 2007

  Mr. CAMP of Michigan. Madam Speaker, there is an old saying in 
Washington, DC, that goes: if you want a friend, then you better get a 
dog. While Nancy, the kids and I did just get a dog, I have long 
considered myself lucky enough to have been in the Circle of Friends 
with Timothy Edward Bartlett. For that I thank him.
  And for those of us who knew Tim, friend is the word that comes to 
mind when we think of him. He embodied the word and gave it greater 
meaning. He was more than a person you knew and liked. He was a person 
who inspired, excelled and, despite returning to God much too soon, he 
lived a full life.
  Tim's obituary read in part that he was passing ``into an eternal 
community without limits.'' It will be the second such home he lives 
in, for Tim never allowed himself to be restrained. In that sense he 
was Myrna and Ed Bartlett's son. He took risks and was rewarded and as 
a result he set out and not only lived in his own home, but gave others 
the courage to do the same; he was active in his faith and improved our 
community; and his adventures led him to see and learn things many only 
dream about.
  I remember one such trip to our Nation's capital. It was my great 
pleasure to show Tim the U.S. House of Representatives, where he was 
able to see the House Chamber firsthand. In fact, Tim came away from 
that experience with more than just a view of how laws are made, he 
came away with the Speaker's gavel. In all of my years serving in the 
House, no one but Tim has ever managed that.
  And, while the Good Lord has gaveled Tim's session here on earth to a 
close, he remains my Friend; he remains an inspiration to us all. It is 
with deep sadness I say goodbye to my Friend, Timothy Edward Bartlett.
  Lord, as many others did, I knew and liked this man. I know You will 
do the same. May You keep him close and may his spirit light your 
community of angels as he lit ours.

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