[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 116 (Tuesday, July 11, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E960]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN HONOR OF MICHAEL ``MATT'' PATRICK RYAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 11, 2017

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the life 
and faith of my friend and local Houston radio favorite, Michael 
``Matt'' Patrick Ryan.
  Convinced at a young age that he was called to a life in the radio 
industry, Matt Patrick began his career by spinning records at a small 
New York radio station. After hosting radio programs in New York, 
Indiana, and Ohio, his career finally brought him to the great state of 
Texas in 2011.
  Matt quickly became a favorite among his listeners with his no-
nonsense way of informing and entertaining his audiences. A well-known 
name in Houston, Matt anchored the morning news on KTRH and hosted the 
syndicated Matt Patrick Show every afternoon on KPRC. For his talents 
in the ``theatre of the mind,'' Matt received national recognition as a 
two-time Radio and Television Broadcasters Hall of Fame inductee.
  In addition to his nearly 40-year career in radio, Matt was often a 
contributor on Fox 26 Houston, where he discussed politics and debated 
current events with local activists and public officials.
  Matt's straight talking attitude and strong conservative values 
guided him through his broadcasting career and defined him as an 
individual. Never shying away from fighting for his beliefs, Matt's 
passion and dedication to defending the constitution inspired countless 
listeners, known as Patrick's Patriots.
  In September of 2015, Matt faced a new challenge: he was diagnosed 
with stage IV Melanoma. True to his no-nonsense nature, Matt decided to 
share his struggle with his listeners, and on July 5th, his six year 
anniversary at KTRH, he announced that he had exhausted all standard of 
treatment options.
  Following his announcement, his co-workers and radio listeners from 
across Texas joined together in an outpouring of support that Matt 
called ``breathtaking and humbling.''
  Constantly supported by his best friend and wife, Paula; his 
children, Lexa, Alanna, and Jake; his sisters, Maureen Shell and 
Colleen Ryan Neubauer; his parents, John and Marie Drummond; his 
father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Cindy Parker; and his sister-
in-law, Dawn Parker; Matt's unwavering moral compass and complete faith 
in God served as an example to his friends, his community, and his 
listeners.
  It is my honor to join Matt's family, friends, and listeners to 
recognize his lifetime of service and his steadfast faith. On Sunday, 
July 9, Matt's battle with cancer ended. Matt's life was an inspiration 
to all who heard him, and he will be sorely missed.

                          ____________________