[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 4 (Friday, January 6, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E31]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            REMEMBERING AND HONORING THE LIFE OF CONOR IRWIN

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 6, 2017

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss and honor 
the life of Conor Irwin.
  The child of Whit and Holly Irwin, Conor was a resident of Ledyard, 
CT. He graduated from St. Bernard School and was a freshman at Ledyard 
High School. He was just 14 years old.
  In 2013, I had the honor of meeting Conor when he visited me to 
discuss the quality of food served in local schools. He had been a 
youth representative to the New London County Food Policy Council and 
was seriously concerned about the effect of poor food quality on 
health. Wonderfully precocious, he was full of good ideas that might 
help address this problem.
  Like many 14 year-old boys, he loved soccer, playing outdoors, and 
listening to music. Just this past year, he even earned his first 
varsity letter for cross country. But those who knew Conor acknowledge 
something special about him. Even at so young an age, he was already a 
gentleman and true renaissance man. It may have been his voracious 
appetite for knowledge, his signature bow ties, or his love of travel 
and exploration. But mostly, it was his thoughtfulness that set him 
apart. He was always looking out for the younger kids, helping his mom 
with groceries, and holding the door for whomever may be passing by.
  My thoughts and prayers are with Conor's family and friends as they 
mourn this terrible loss. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me 
in expressing my condolences and honoring a truly special soul, Conor 
Irwin.

                          ____________________