[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 51 (Wednesday, April 2, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E473]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN REMEMBRANCE OF ROBERT E. DOGGETT

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 2, 2008

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Robert E. 
Doggett, and to honor a life spent in service to his country, his 
community, and his family.
  As a young man, Mr. Doggett served our country bravely during World 
War II, earning a Purple Heart of Honor for his service in the first 
African-American army combat unit in the South Pacific Theatre. After 
returning stateside from his service, he followed his parents to 
Cleveland to put down roots in Northeast Ohio in the late 1940's. An 
artist at heart and by trade, he first utilized his artistic talents by 
designing calendars for local businesses. He later began work with the 
City planning commission as a draftsman in 1951, work which would mark 
the beginning of a career-long commitment to the City of Cleveland and 
the residents of Northeast Ohio. During his twenty years at the City 
planning commission, he became the city's first African-American senior 
planner. His integrity and work ethic carried him up the ranks quickly 
when in 1972, Mayor Ralph Perk appointed Mr. Doggett as the Cleveland 
director of the federal community redevelopment Model Cities 
Initiative, a program dedicated to rebuild Cleveland's East Side. To 
top off his career of civic service, Robert is responsible for the 
architectural designs of more than thirty churches, office buildings 
and restaurants.
  Recognized for his talents as a great abstract and landscape artist 
by his friends and family, he was also a known jazz aficionado and has 
met Jazz greats Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton who both performed 
regularly in the Cleveland area. Mr. Doggett is survived by his loving 
wife of 53 years, Georgia; his children Lisa, Enid and Steven; and one 
granddaughter. He will be affectionately remembered by his family and 
friends for his compassion, humor, intelligence and artistic talents.
  Madam speaker and colleagues, please join me in remembering Robert E. 
Doggett, and to honor his commitment to his country, community, and 
family. May his exemplary life serve as an example for us all to 
follow.

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