[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 50 (Tuesday, March 24, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E749]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 STEPHEN MARCHAM OF VERNON, CONNECTICUT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 24, 2009

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
extraordinary life of Stephen Marcham of Vernon, Connecticut who passed 
away after a courageous battle with cancer on March 19, 2009.
  Steve Marcham was a lifelong resident of Vernon, a town he loved 
dearly. Steve attended Rockville High School and later enrolled at the 
University of Connecticut where he earned his degree from the School of 
Pharmacy. After graduation, Steve returned to Vernon, Connecticut and 
became co-owner of Vincent's Pharmacy where he had worked since high 
school. During his more than 30 years at Vincent's, Steve was 
recognized for his outstanding community service when he received the 
A. H. Robbins Bowl of Hygeia Award, the Pharmacy Leadership Award from 
the National Association of Retail Druggists and the 2006 Daniel Leone 
Pharmacist of the Year award from the Connecticut Pharmacists 
Association. As his customers could tell you, Steve's care and 
compassion for his fellow man found their outlet within the walls of 
Vincent's.
  In addition to his service as a community pharmacist, Steve had a 
deep passion for public service. It was here in the public arena that 
Steve created a lasting mark as a progressive who built consensus with 
one overriding goal: improving his community. In 1969 while still 
attending the University of Connecticut, Steve became the youngest 
official elected to public office when he won a seat on the Board of 
Education. After serving on the Board of Education for a number of 
terms, Steve was elected to the Town Council before being appointed in 
1986 to serve as the Mayor, a position which he held until 1989. A 
decade later, he was re-elected to that office. As Mayor, Steve was 
well known for his efforts to bridge the political divide. Above all of 
his political achievements, however, it was the kindness and grace of 
Steve that endeared him to both his colleagues and the people of 
Vernon.
  Even more than his impressive success as a health care provider and 
public official, Steve was a wonderful parent and husband. He was part 
of a beautiful family including his wife Jan and daughter Ashley. They 
did everything together--trips to Cape Cod, campaigning together for 
office, attending Ashley's marching band events and family gatherings 
with the Marchams and the Bozcars.
  Steve was a true example and inspiration to us all showing how to 
balance work, community and family flawlessly. He was in many ways a 
Jimmy Stewart-like figure from ``It's a Wonderful Life.'' It was an 
honor to have known him and worked with him during my years in the 
state legislature and the Congress.
  For those of us who knew him and had the honor and privilege to call 
him a friend, this is a difficult time. To Janice, his wife, Ashley, 
his daughter, and his beloved mother Frances, we offer our sympathy and 
thanks for allowing Steve to be a part of our lives. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in honoring the life and service of Steve 
Marcham.

                          ____________________