[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 44 (Tuesday, March 13, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E300-E301]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO LARRY GREEN, HOUSTON CITY COUNCILMAN AND A SPECIAL HUMAN 
  BEING WITH AN UNSURPASSED EXUBERANCE AND PASSION FOR THE PEOPLE OF 
                                HOUSTON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 13, 2018

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Houston City 
Councilmember Larry Green who passed away suddenly on March 6, 2018, at 
the age of 52.
  I was shocked and saddened to learn of the death of my dear friend, 
Councilman Larry Green, and my heart goes out to his family and loved 
ones.
  Although the years of his life were short, the life lived in those 
years by Councilman Larry Green was vibrant, dynamic, purposeful, and 
directed toward service to others.
  Larry Green was an extraordinary human being with an unsurpassed 
exuberance and passion for our city, its neighborhoods, its future, and 
most of all, its people.
  Councilman Larry Green was devoted to providing opportunities for his 
constituents, indeed all Houstonians, to realize their potential and 
their dreams.
  Larry Green worked as my District Director, and in this role he 
helped me to serve the constituents of the 18th Congressional District.
  I am proud to have served as one of his mentors.
  In fact it was during this service to my office that I observed first 
hand his dedication to the community that claimed him, because he was 
one of Houston's own.
  But as anyone who knew Larry Green can attest, you also learned a lot 
from him because he was so generous with his knowledge and expertise.
  Larry Green was a lifelong Houstonian.
  You often hear it said that greatness is measured by the magnitude of 
one's service.
  By that measure there is no greater public servant than Larry Green, 
whom we lost entirely too soon.
  Larry Green proudly served the citizens of District K on Houston's 
City Council for almost six years.
  Larry Green was a native Houstonian; a graduate of Madison High 
School, the University of Houston, and the Thurgood Marshall School of 
Law.
  It was in my office that Larry Green honed the skills for which he is 
well known for: hard work, long hours, attention to details regarding 
the lives of those he serves, getting the job done, and making sure 
that the needs and interests of the poor and vulnerable would never be 
forgotten.
  As the shock and grief over his untimely death recedes, left in its 
place is our memory of his dedication as a public servant; his sense of 
humor when faced with a challenge; his tireless work for the people of 
District K, and omnipresence at community meetings was legendary.
  In fact, it was at those community meetings where his love for his 
constituents shined brightest.
  As members of the community attested after he passed: ``Larry was 
everywhere--he's at the civic club meetings; the coalition meeting; he 
was like your friend. I'd call him all the time.''
  The loss of Larry Green's leaves is heart breaking.
  I am reminded of the common refrain that ``all death teaches us is 
that nothing is promised, but only that life was worth it.''
  Larry Green lived that wisdom and always sought to give back and live 
a life worth it.
  Among his numerous contributions and accomplishments, it is Larry 
Green's dedication to his constituents that stand tallest, and will 
stand the test of time.
  Larry Green knew the value of viewing neighborhoods and towns as 
communities--rather than districts--and sought to make the everyday 
lives of people better.
  Larry Green educated people about how to become citizen activists so 
that they could improve the quality of their communities or their own 
lives.
  Larry Green sought to remedy blighted neighborhoods by attracting 
development; he helped neighbors set up civic clubs and taught them how 
to beautify their neighborhoods.
  And as the rough waters of life have stilled his body, his soul lives 
on and his legacy will not be diminished.
  Larry Green will be remembered always as a fearless advocate; a 
tireless champion; a true friend; a man whose passion for Houston was 
contagious.
  Scripture teaches us that blessed are those that mourn, for they will 
be comforted.
   To his entire family, who shared him with us for 52 years, on behalf 
of all Houstonians, we thank you.

[[Page E301]]

  To his brother, two nieces and a nephew, all of whom survive him, we 
pray that God will deliver you from the pain that his passing has 
visited on you.
  To those he was honored to serve as a proud representative of 
District K: all of us in public life are inspired by his example and 
his fortitude and while we know he is looking down on us, we can only 
seek to honor his time on Earth by emulating his service.
  In a time of wanting leadership, let those of us still on this Earth 
be inspired by Larry Green's example and his service and strive to be 
worthy of his legacy.
  I ask the House to observe a moment of silence in memory of the 
beloved Larry Green, who as much as anyone reflected the heartbeat of 
Houston.

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