[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 51 (Tuesday, April 16, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H2055]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF FORMER CONGRESSMAN CHARLIE WILSON

  (Ms. KAPTUR asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in remembrance and to honor our 
dear friend and former colleague, Congressman Charlie Wilson of Ohio.
  On Sunday, we learned that Congressman Charlie Wilson passed away 
from complications from an operation following a serious stroke he 
endured in February, living each moment thereafter with great courage. 
Today, the Ohio delegation honors his life and his achievements for the 
State of Ohio, his Sixth District that he represented with such 
dignity, and his impact on our Nation.
  Surely, his work on jobs, health care, veterans benefits were truly a 
benefit to not just his district, but to the Nation. He was such a 
relentless advocate.
  Charlie Wilson embodied the ethic of public service. His political 
demeanor, his civility, his gracious manner characterized his exemplary 
service. Throughout his 16 years in public service, 12 in the Ohio 
House and 4 here in the United States House of Representatives, he 
served as a true advocate for his constituents in the hard-scrabble 
economy of eastern and southeastern Ohio.
  He embodied the aspirations of our middle class. He dedicated his 
life to public service with unwavering energy, selfless dedication, and 
a kindness that should be emulated by all Members. I never heard him 
raise his voice in anger.
  How proud he was of his family, his son, Jason, who succeeded him in 
the Ohio Legislature, all of his children, his family. And may Angela 
and his family be comforted during these difficult times.
  Congressman Wilson had an uncanny ability to make people laugh and 
make everyone around him feel at ease. He genuinely cared about 
improving the lives, not only of his constituents, but of all people 
around him.
  His last political race in 2012 showed the measure of the man, as 
millions and millions of dollars poured in from out of State against 
him, and he kept going, no matter what.
  Our delegation's thoughts and prayers are with Charlie, with his 
entire family, his four children, his nine grandchildren and, of 
course, his beloved Angela.
  We are all saddened by his death but encouraged by his legacy, his 
achievements, and the memories that he leaves with all of us.
  I know that each Member of the Ohio delegation shares in my desire to 
honor Congressman Charlie Wilson's memory.

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