[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 140 (Thursday, October 1, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2437]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


     HONORING THE LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF CHARLES ``TIF'' BINGHAM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. STEVE COHEN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 1, 2009

  Mr. COHEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. 
Charles ``Tif'' Bingham, one of the kindest and most personable 
individuals I have ever known. He was always thinking of people and was 
truly concerned about others. His smile and demeanor attracted friends 
and warmed their spirits.
  Tif Bingham graduated from Yale University and then served our 
country as a captain and fighter pilot in the Marine Corps. In 1960, he 
moved to Memphis as a Vice-President for Conwood Corporation.
  He was a civic leader, serving as the Executive Director of the 
Memphis Chamber of Commerce and founder of the Mid-South Parkinson's 
Disease Foundation.
  Tif was one of the founders and Second President of the Memphis In 
May International Festival, which highlights the best of Memphis 
culture: music, barbecue, and arts. Each year the festival showcases 
the best of Memphis and, simultaneously, brings the world to our city, 
exposing our citizens to people from around the globe, enriching our 
lives and expanding our horizons.
  I have had the pleasure of representing Tif and wife Sandy as 
constituents of the Ninth District. They were frequent visitors on 
Capitol Hill and were much loved by those in which they came in contact 
with. Several members of Congress as well as Jimmy Miller, Director of 
Committee Facilities and Travel for the Transportation and 
Infrastructure Committee, wish to express their deepest regrets to the 
Bingham family.
  Tif Bingham was an avid sailor and world traveler. As grandson of 
U.S. Senator Hiram Bingham, who discovered Machu Picchu, he inherited a 
curiosity and urge to explore the world, all to be knowledgeable about 
public affairs. He leaves his wife Sandy Dickey, to whom he was married 
for 27 years. Sandy loved Tif and was the epitome of ``for better or 
worse''. He is also survived by three children, Eleanor Bingham 
Mallory, Grace Bingham and Charles Bingham and six grandchildren.
  Tif Bingham loved life and lived it to the fullest. He enriched the 
lives of his family, friends and the city of Memphis. He will be sorely 
missed and always remembered.