[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 75 (Wednesday, May 7, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E850]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING LOUIS M. THOMSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 7, 2008

  Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Louis M. 
Thomson, Jr. of Toledo, Ohio.
  Louis M. Thomson, Jr., blessed Toledo, OH with his many talents, 
always giving an enthusiastic word about his native city. Louis passed 
from this life April 18, 2008, but will always be remembered by his 
family and friends for his warm smile, quick wit and uncompromising 
passion to better his community. Louis served as a longtime labor 
arbitrator, fact-finder, and mediator. Mr. Thomson, a Toledo native, 
graduated from Scott High School in 1945. Afterwards he serve in the 
U.S. Army from 1945 to 1947, later graduating from the University of 
Toledo in 1950. Louis started his career with the city of Toledo in 
1960 as director of public information and industrial relations, a 
position he held until 1968.
  Following his position with the city of Toledo, he served as the 
director of the Toledo Labor-Management-Citizens Committee from 1968 
until 1991. He worked as an independent arbitrator, fact-finder, and 
mediator. During his years on the job, he was known for working behind 
the scenes to improve the local labor climate. His family and 
colleagues remembered how he enjoyed helping to resolve labor disputes. 
His wife, Rose Thomson, recalled that the career called on him to be 
neutral and exercise good judgment. She said, ``He liked listening to 
all the different things and trying to decide if people had been 
treated properly''.
  He retired from the job two weeks before his death and only because 
of his failing health. In addition to his work, Mr. Thomson was 
involved with a number of local community groups, including the 
University of Toledo Alumni Association, which he had served as 
president; the Scott Alumni Association; the City of Toledo Credit 
Union, of which he was also a past president; the Toledo Museum of Art; 
the Maumee Valley Historical Society; the Committee on Relations with 
Toledo, Spain, and numerous other organizations.
  Louis simply desired to help people and do things for other, and in 
the meantime improve the city of Toledo as well. However, the 
organization closest to his heart was the Toledo Zoo, family members 
recalled. They estimated he had been involved with the Toledo Zoo for 
nearly 50 years because it was a landmark for the people of Toledo and 
surrounding areas. His love for the Toledo Zoo mimicked his love for 
the Toledo community. Louis always promoted the city of Toledo from an 
industrial, business and cultural perspective, never ceasing in the 
opinion that Toledo was a great place to live.
  Toledo will miss one of its dearest sons. May his positive spirit and 
love of community be remembered in word and deed by all Toledo 
residents.

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