[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 65 (Thursday, April 30, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1032]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING AND CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF MICHAEL H. DORAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 30, 2009

  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding 
citizen of Buffalo and Western New York and a dear friend who will be 
deeply missed, Michael H. Doran. Mike Doran, a well-known attorney in 
Buffalo and the devoted father of two children, was tragically killed 
in a plane accident on Tuesday, April 30, 2009. This is a devastating 
loss to his family and friends, and to our community.
  A Buffalo native and alum of the University at Buffalo and the 
University of Buffalo School of Law, Mike would have celebrated his 
fifteen year anniversary with his law practice, Doran & Murphy, with 
his law partner, Christopher Murphy, this Saturday. Mike was on his way 
home from working on a case in Cleveland to attend his daughter's 
school function when his single-engine plane crashed. Those who 
witnessed the crash say Mike steered the failing plane away from a 
nearby neighborhood and are calling him a hero.
  For over 25 years, Mike has represented those afflicted with serious 
injury and occupational disease, as well as wrongful death cases. He 
was most recently working with Roswell Park Cancer Institute in 
promoting a program designed to help detect lung cancer in high risk 
patients. The early detection program was proven effective in 
prolonging life and curing lung cancers.
  Mike was deeply loved by his family, friends and the community. He 
was very involved in numerous organizations including the board of 
directors of the Western New York Leukemia Society, the University of 
Buffalo Center for Children and Families, and was an active volunteer 
with the University of Buffalo Law School Alumni Association. Michael 
was an FAA certified pilot, an avid extreme skier, and was the 2008 
champion of the Buffalo Croquet and Debating Club.
  Madam Speaker, I offer my deepest condolences to Mike's family. My 
thoughts are with them, and I share their grief of this wonderful man I 
am honored to have called a dear friend. His loss is felt by the many 
lives he touched in this community.

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