[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 165 (Friday, November 6, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2747]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




THE DEATH OF JOHN O'QUINN, PROMINENT HOUSTON ATTORNEY, PHILANTHROPIST, 
                               AND FRIEND

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. AL GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 6, 2009

  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I request that the House of 
Representatives take a moment to remember a fellow American and friend 
of mine, John O'Quinn, of Houston, Texas. Mr. O'Quinn died last 
Thursday, October 29, 2009 in a tragic car accident that also claimed 
the life of his longtime assistant, Johnny Lee Cutliff.
  By all standards, Mr. O'Quinn was an extremely successful lawyer in 
Houston society, but to those of us who knew him well, John was a 
dedicated professional, a generous benefactor, and a loyal friend.
  Publicly, John has been recognized as an icon and was named one of 
the ``100 Legal Legends of the Law'' by the Texas Lawyer. He was 
recognized by the National Law Journal and the Harvard Law Review as 
one of the ``Best Lawyers in America.'' Mr. O'Quinn received four of 
the largest verdicts in Texas legal history, having won more than $20 
billion for his clients throughout his career, including a $17.3 
billion tobacco settlement for the State of Texas. He was an honors 
graduate of the University of Houston Law Center, served as a Regent 
for the University of Houston, and trustee of the University of Houston 
Law School Foundation.
  The man behind these impressive achievements was also fiercely loyal 
to the town that raised him and brought him to statewide and national 
prominence. John was a philanthropist and gave generously to assist the 
University of Houston, which named a law library and stadium after him; 
the Children's Assessment Center; the Women's Center; Baylor College of 
Medicine; the End Hunger Network; St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital; the 
South Texas College of Law Advocacy Center and many more organizations 
and causes of equal importance.
  Mr. O'Quinn was a passionate car collector. Before his passing, he 
planned to open a public museum to display and share his love of cars 
and the histories accompanying each.
  There are few Houstonians who have not been affected by Mr. O'Quinn's 
work, either through his role as attorney, benefactor or 
philanthropist. Mr. O'Quinn will be remembered as a dedicated legal 
professional, generous philanthropist, and dear friend. It will be hard 
to imagine Houston without one of its most dynamic personalities and 
legal giants. Mr. O'Quinn will be greatly missed.

                          ____________________