[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 35 (Tuesday, March 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E272]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF MEL PARIS

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                           HON. CHERI BUSTOS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 12, 2013

  Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of Mel 
Paris, an American veteran from Illinois, who recently passed away on 
March 3rd, 2013. Mel was best known as a dedicated community leader, as 
well as an ardent public servant, and his loss is felt throughout the 
community.
   Mel was truly a friend and advocate of working men and women across 
our state, along with those less fortunate. He held several positions 
throughout his career with the International Union, United Automobile, 
Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), 
including President of his local union. Mel also served as a Winnebago 
County Board member, where he tirelessly worked for the betterment of 
his community.
   Even after his retirement, he continued a life of service to others. 
Mel was elected as President of the UAW Rockford Area Building 
association where he continued to serve the members of the UAW, until 
his untimely passing. Mel touched everyone he met, and was someone whom 
you could always turn to with your personal or professional problems.
   Mr. Speaker, I am forever grateful for Mel's contributions as a 
serviceman and leader in his community, and am deeply saddened by his 
passing. I offer my sincerest thoughts and prayers to his wife 
Charlotte, the rest of the Paris family, and the entire Rockford 
community.

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