[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 3, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E589]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN RECOGNITION OF GILLES LARAMEE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANN M. KUSTER

                            of new hampshire

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 3, 2017

  Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, today I stand in 
recognition of Gilles P. Laramee, a Marine Corps veteran and a 
committed advocate for New Hampshire's veterans community, who sadly 
passed away unexpectedly on February 18th at the age of 85.
   First and foremost, Mr. Laramee of Berlin, NH, was proud to have 
served his country as a United States Marine during the Korean War. In 
his later years, he was a selfless volunteer and a mentor to many 
Granite State veterans over his years of service on the North Country 
Veterans Committee.
   Mr. Laramee was a member of the Good Shepard Parish, the Marine Corp 
League, and the White Mountain Post 2520 VFW. His volunteerism included 
working with veterans at Androscoggin Valley Hospital, the New 
Hampshire Department of Corrections in Berlin, and the Federal Bureau 
of Prisons Corrections facility in Berlin. He was truly dedicated to 
serving brothers and sisters in the veterans community through some of 
their darkest times.
   More than anything, Mr. Laramee loved his work as regional director 
for Toys-for-Tots. He took such pride in gathering and distributing 
toys to children and families in need. His dedication to this charity 
was so profound that he became know as ``Father Christmas'' to many 
North Country families.
   Mr. Laramee is survived by his wife Lillian, his daughters Diane and 
Rachel, their husbands and children. He will also be missed by the many 
veterans whose lives he touched.
   While Taps has played for this hero, we are left to say ``Semper 
Fi'' dear and loyal friend.

                          ____________________