[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 170 (Tuesday, November 29, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1534-E1535]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            WITH THANKS FOR THE LIFE OF JUDGE DAVID A. KATZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 29, 2016

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in this season of thanksgiving 
when we are especially grateful for family and friends to pay tribute 
to one such friend, The Honorable David A. Katz. Judge Katz passed from 
this life during the summer on July 26, 2016.
  A justice with the United States District Court, Northern District of 
Ohio, Judge Katz was appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1994 and 
had served on senior status since 2005. His tenure was marked by strong 
jurisprudence and included his tireless perseverance of a new federal 
courthouse in Toledo. A highly regarded and well respected jurist, the 
flags flew at half staff the day after his death to honor his public 
service. In issuing the order, chief judge for the Northern District of 
Ohio Solomon Oliver, Jr. summed up Judge Katz' service most succinctly 
when he stated, ``Judge Katz' contribution to our court has been 
immeasurable. He came to the court with a keen sense of fairness and a 
very large dose of common sense. He could always be counted on. He was 
highly respected by the lawyers in the community. Though he had many 
strengths, one of his greatest was his ability to resolve complex cases 
involving multiple parties. As Chief Judge, I often sought and received 
his wise counsel. Every judge on our court highly valued David's 
friendship. We will all miss him greatly.''
  David Katz was born in Toledo to parents Ruth and Samuel Katz and 
raised in Findlay, Ohio. He married Joan Siegel in 1955. He graduated 
from Ohio State University's College of Law in 1957. He began private 
practice with the Toledo firm of Spengler Nathanson where he ably 
practiced until his judicial appointment. Strong in his faith and proud 
of his Jewish heritage, Judge Katz gave of his time and talents to the 
Toledo Jewish Community Foundation, where the David A. Katz 
Philanthropic Fund was established.
  Even with all of the public accolades, Judge Katz' proudest and most 
important achievement was his family. A family man to his core, he 
cherished his wife, their children, grandchildren and great-
granddaughter above all else. Though a public man and elder statesman 
whose imprimatur is writ large through the decisions he rendered and 
his contributions to our community, his true legacy is given to his 
family. As his family and friends remember Judge David A. Katz in 
thanksgiving for his life, we recall the words in the poem by Sylvan 
Kamens & Rabbi Jack Riemer, entitled We Remember Them.

     At the rising sun and at its going down; We remember them.
     At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter; We 
           remember them.
     At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring; We 
           remember them.
     At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer; We 
           remember them.
     At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of the 
           autumn; We remember them.
     At the beginning of the year and when it ends; We remember 
           them.
     As long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a 
           part of us as We remember them.

     When we are weary and in need of strength; We remember them.
     When we are lost and sick at heart; We remember them.
     When we have decisions that are difficult to make; We 
           remember them.
     When we have joy we crave to share; We remember them.
     When we have achievements that are based on theirs; We 
           remember them.
     For as long as we live, they too will live, for they are now 
           a part of us as, We remember them.

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