[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 14, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E583]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     REMEMBERING LAURENCE M. BLOCH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. STEVE COHEN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday May 14, 2019

  Mr. COHEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember an important 
mentor, advisor and my quasi-brother/father, Laurence M. Bloch, whom 
the world knew as ``Larry.'' Larry, a Memphis native and longtime real 
estate investor and contributor to humanitarian causes, passed away on 
February 23 in Santa Monica, California, at the age of 87.
   A font of sage advice, Larry was constantly there for me and for 
many others who loved him for the caring individual he was. After 
graduating from Christian Brothers High School in 1949, Larry went to 
the University of Michigan, and led a group of Wolverines fans 
traveling by train with the team to the 1951 Rose Bowl where Michigan 
beat the California Golden Bears 14 to 6. Larry graduated with a degree 
in economics in 1953 then served two years in the U.S. Army before 
returning to Memphis where he was involved in the millinery business 
before settling into the real estate investment business.
   He remained an avid Michigan fan his whole life and used to tape 
every game. Known for his disheveled salt-and-pepper hair and socks-
less and tie-less style, and for riding his bicycle like Albert 
Einstein, he also drove around town in a Lincoln Continental with coach 
doors. He celebrated healthy eating habits as a prophet of whole grains 
and fiber. An investor with a keen eye for good deals in Memphis' 
downtown, he had the good sense and good fortune to own the property 
kitty-corner from The Peabody on Union Avenue that was torn down to 
create AutoZone Park.
   A patron of the arts, he also supported the Memphis Crisis Center, 
Meals on Wheels and the Church Health Center among his charitable 
causes. As a cat lover, another of his charitable causes was The House 
of Mews, where he was for a while the top cat. A charming story teller, 
he provided useful advice and helped many people solve their problems. 
Larry liked: long walks, telling stories, giving advice, peanuts, 
cashmere sweaters, everything else cashmere, trains, maize and blue 
signs, a studied careless appearance, salads and, more than anything, 
Cheryl and his grandsons. Larry didn't like: being photographed, zoos, 
recognition, Ohio State or work hours extending two hours either side 
of lunch.
   I was fortunate to have had him as a good friend and will miss him 
greatly. Much of what I am and have been is because of Larry Bloch. I 
thank Larry. I want to extend my condolences to his daughter Cheryl, to 
his grandsons Nick and Alex, to his sister Joyce whom he loved, and her 
family, and to his multitude of adoring friends. Larry Bloch led an 
exemplary life.

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