[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 52 (Monday, April 13, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E460-E461]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING RONALD WILEY

                                  _____
                                 

                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 13, 2015

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of a 
stalwart Rochesterian and a beacon in our community: Ronald Wiley, a 
man who dedicated his life to building the bonds on which our nation 
stands.
  A native son of Watertown, New York, Ronald graduated in 1949 from 
Watertown High

[[Page E461]]

School and attended St. Lawrence University Collegiate Center in 
Watertown. During the Korean War, Ronald answered his country's call by 
proudly serving in the U.S. Navy as a journalist. His service during 
the war marked the start of his career in journalism and lifelong 
concern for others.
  Attending college on the G.I. Bill, Ronald graduated from the 
University of Virginia in 1958 and then moved home to Watertown where 
he worked at the Watertown Daily Times as a reporter and later as a 
copy editor. While working at the Daily Times, Ronald honed the writing 
skills that would serve him so well for the rest of his life.
  In Rochester, Ronald served for 14 years as editor-in-chief of 
Kodak's weekly employee newspaper, Kodakery. In this capacity, he 
helped to lift the spirit of the Kodak family and kept them connected, 
informed.
  On top of his commitment to Kodak, Ronald was a pillar of Rochester's 
business and civic communities. As an officer in the International 
Association of Business Communicators, Ronald helped others learn the 
trade that he had so clearly mastered at Kodak. He was also active in 
the Irondequoit United Church of Christ and served for many years as an 
assistant scoutmaster with Boy Scout Troop 154. There is no doubt that 
Ronald's teaching, mentorship, and example inspired untold young people 
to lift their eyes to the mountaintops, inspiring them to consider the 
wisdom and power of nature.
  Together with Eva, his loving wife of 47 years, Ronald raised two 
children and four grandchildren. While living in Rochester, Ronald and 
Eva enjoyed square dancing and playing cards, particularly Hearts. 
Ronald and his family were avid hikers who frequently explored the 
Adirondack High Peaks. In fact, Ronald summited all 46 high peaks of 
the Adirondacks and was named an Adirondack Forty-Sixer.
  In tribute to Ronald's lifetime of service in Rochester and beyond, I 
stand to honor him today. As his family and friends mourn his passing, 
let this record celebrate his legacy of love, compassion, and good 
works. Mr. Speaker, Ronald Wiley strengthened every community he called 
home and his dedication to his fellow American shows us the best of our 
nation's soul.
  Ralph Waldo Emerson described the successful life like this: ``To 
laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the 
affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and 
to endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty; to find 
the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a 
healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know 
that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is 
to have succeeded.''
  Surely, Ronald succeeded.

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