[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 173 (Thursday, November 8, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2361]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         IN TRIBUTE TO JIM RYAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GWEN MOORE

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 8, 2007

  Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jim 
Ryan, who passed away on November 6, 2007. Mr. Ryan was a compassionate 
leader and public servant who worked for many years in the Fourth 
Congressional District. Mr. Ryan's involvement in the nonprofit and 
political arena in the metropolitan Milwaukee area was truly 
impressive.
  Mr. Ryan served as a Milwaukee County Board Supervisor. He served the 
Village of Hales Corners for over 30 years; nearly 20 of those years 
were spent as Village President. He was to retire from public service 
and not seek another term as Village President next year.
  Mr. Ryan was known as the consummate professional with strong 
consensus building and problem-solving skills and a strong knowledge of 
how government worked at all levels. Mr. Ryan served as President and 
CEO of the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center where he started the 
Flight for Life program; worked for the State of Wisconsin as a child 
welfare supervisor; and for Racine County's Human Service Department. 
While serving as a County Board Supervisor, he was chair of the Ryan 
Commission which played a significant role in changing how the 
Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District was administered.
  Mr. Ryan faced a considerable challenge in his private life and was 
to retire from his successful public life. He was diagnosed with 
stomach cancer a year ago. Mr. Ryan's wife, Lisa, four children, Jimmy, 
John, Kristen, Cathryn; and three grandchildren all live in the 
Milwaukee area and were an integral part of his support network during 
this health crisis.
  Mr. Ryan remained the Director of Penfield Children's Center where he 
served for more than a decade. Penfield Children's Center located in 
Milwaukee's central city serves all of Milwaukee County. Penfield 
Children's Center works with the child's family to ensure that each 
child has everything he/she needs to succeed and achieve his/her full 
potential. One of my granddaughters was born with a weight of less than 
2 pounds. She received care at Penfield and benefited from their superb 
services.
  Madam Speaker, for these reasons, I am honored to pay tribute to Mr. 
Ryan and his contributions to the Fourth Congressional District. Mr. 
Ryan's work throughout the years will continue to make a ``positive 
impact'' on the people of the entire metropolitan Milwaukee area.

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