[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 130 (Thursday, September 11, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1393-E1394]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO LOU MUMFORD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 11, 2014

  Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a much beloved 
member of our community and a well-respected journalist, Lou Mumford, 
on the occasion of his retirement from the South Bend Tribune 
newspaper.
  For the past 43 years, Lou has reported the news as it unfolded in 
Greater Michiana. He is an excellent writer with a trusted, familiar 
voice, gentle humor, and a strong sense of integrity. He was a true 
journalist's journalist, exemplifying the newspaper industry's gold 
standard.
  During his many decades at work, Lou has seen it all, both good and 
bad. From covering everything from the high school football team to the 
courthouse; providing eyewitness accounts to presidential visits; to 
reporting on the grand national scene and sharing the stories of 
individuals living right within our community.
  When Lou was covering local politics or breaking news out of 
Washington, you always knew what to expect. His questions were fair, 
unbiased, and intuitive. You were never going to get a free pass, but 
you would always be treated with the utmost courtesy and respect. It is 
impossible to not develop a deep professional respect and admiration 
for a man of Lou's character. And despite our unbridgeable 
differences--he roots for the White Sox and I am a dyed-in-the-wool 
Cubs fan--I am grateful for the warm personal rapport we developed over 
the years.
  Lou has a knack for reading the political field--the history, 
personalities, issues, and all their nuances--because he understands 
people and what makes them tick. He also empathizes and brings the 
reader along with him on an emotional journey. This is where Lou showed 
his true strengths.
  His columns shared the lives of ordinary folks in our own community, 
touching upon the full range of human emotions. His stories about 
everyday lives could warm the heart, bring a smile to our face, or a 
tear to our eye.

[[Page E1394]]

Sometimes both in the same story. They reminded us all of what is 
really important in life--our own experiences, family, friends, and 
community.
  The great journalist Bob Schieffer once remarked that ``journalism is 
a great way to do public service, to have an impact on your 
community.'' While the dawn of each day unveiled new stories on the 
pages of the South Bend Tribune, one thing remained constant through 
the years, and that was the steady voice of Lou Mumford. Our community 
is grateful for Lou's dedicated years of service to our community. We 
wish him all the best in his retirement, and do hope his story telling 
will continue.

                          ____________________