[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 172 (Thursday, November 19, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2820]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES AND CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF JOHN O'QUINN

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 19, 2009

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
honor an incredibly gifted personal injury lawyer and dedicated 
philanthropist, Mr. John O'Quinn.
  Mr. O'Quinn spent his career serving others by fighting to make sure 
the most vulnerable members of our society received justice. As a 
lawyer, his unwavering commitment to his clients was legendary, and 
throughout his legal career, he used his unique personality and 
staggering intellect as an advocate for the powerless. In his life, he 
was named one of the 100 Most Influential Lawyers in America by the 
National Law Journal, 100 Legal Legends of Texas by Texas Lawyer 
magazine, Five Best Texas Trial Lawyers of the Past Century by the 
Houston Chronicle, and was recognized in Harvard Law's ``Best Lawyers 
in America.''
  It is important to note, however, that Mr. O'Quinn's remarkable 
capacity in the courtroom was only one part of his dynamic personality. 
As a notable philanthropist, he handsomely endowed his alma mater, the 
University of Houston, by helping to fund the John O'Quinn Law Library 
and the John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium. He served as a Regent 
for the university as well as a Trustee for the law school foundation. 
Additionally, he assisted numerous other charitable organizations 
including the Children's Assessment Center, the Women's Center, Baylor 
College of Medicine, the End Hunger Network, St. Luke's Episcopal 
Hospital, and the South Texas College of Law Advocacy Center.
  Madam Speaker, the world truly lost a gracious soul with the untimely 
death of John O'Quinn. I ask my fellow colleagues to join me in both 
honoring this brilliant attorney and celebrating his life and countless 
accomplishments. He will be truly missed.

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