[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 123 (Tuesday, September 14, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1594]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE LIFE OF LAWRENCE ``LARRY'' HARRINGTON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 14, 2010

  Mr. STUPAK. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and achievements 
of Lawrence ``Larry'' Harrington of Crystal Falls, MI. As a local 
elected official and community leader for many years, Larry performed 
his civic duties with the utmost commitment and professionalism while 
serving as a mentor to many young people in the community looking to 
become involved in local issues. Larry was also a good friend of mine.
  Early on, Larry understood the value of hard work. During World War 
II, General Motors representatives arrived in Iron County to recruit 
new hires for their plants around Michigan. Larry moved to Flint, MI, 
and worked at General Motors for 16 years and also attended the General 
Motors Institute (now Kettering University) to study industrial 
management.
  In 1969, Larry moved back home to Crystal Falls to serve the 
residents of Michigan by working in the Forest Fire Division of the 
Department of Natural Resources. Larry served as a fire officer where 
he assisted foresters and forest techs. He was also responsible for 
assisting with law enforcement, fisheries, wildlife and engineering 
operations. Towards the end of his career, Larry oversaw the snowmobile 
and off road vehicle program in the western three counties of the Upper 
Peninsula. Larry retired from the State of Michigan after 21 years of 
diligent service to the state and his fellow residents.
  Larry's passion for service to his community did not end with 
retirement. Larry was elected Iron County commissioner for District 4 
in 1992 and held that position until 2008. He also served as the Iron 
County board chairman from 1998 to 2002. During his tenure, Larry made 
it a priority to build positive relationships with his colleagues, even 
those who disagreed with his positions. Larry knew that his community 
would be best served by local leaders who worked together to find 
consensus on the issues, and he strived to ensure that a constructive 
environment was present in all business concerning Iron County.
  Larry also served on various committees throughout his public career, 
including the Dickinson-Iron District Health Department, the Iron 
County Parks and Recreation Committee and the Michigan Association of 
Counties' Environmental and Regulatory Affairs Committee. Larry was 
elected to the Michigan Association of Counties' board of directors, 
where he advocated for legislative positions on behalf of Iron County 
residents.
  Larry was married to his wife Shelby for over 50 years and had two 
children, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Madam 
Speaker, Lawrence ``Larry'' Harrington devoted his life to serving the 
people of Iron County and the State of Michigan, before he passed away 
in May. I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to 
join me in recognizing and honoring his lifetime of commitment and hard 
work.

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