[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 195 (Tuesday, November 17, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1037-E1038]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF FREDERICK HILL McDONALD

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 17, 2020

  Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to reflect upon the life of 
Frederick Hill McDonald, an institution of our courts serving almost 
three decades as a Lucas County Common Pleas judge. A Vietnam War 
Veteran, a father, a grandfather, a husband, and a missed and cherished 
member of our community.
  A native of Poland, Ohio, Judge McDonald graduated Poland High School 
and then attended Carleton College graduating with high marks. 
Following his undergrad, he jumpstarted his law career in receiving his 
law degree from Georgetown university, then soon after was honorably 
admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1968.
  In the genesis of his career, McDonald joined the Toledo Aid Society 
in 1970, then took the step into the legal world officially in becoming 
an assistant county prosecutor. After a few years of service, he was 
selected as an assistant U.S. attorney in Toledo, and after serving one 
year as a Judge on the Toledo Municipal Court bench, his candor and 
professionalism propelled him to be appointed to the Common Pleas Court 
where his career blossomed.
  Judge Frederick McDonald's time on the court was highlighted by his 
service of equality and equity on the bench and in his own life. In 
1997 he received the Arabella Babb Mansfield Award from the Toledo 
Women's Bar Association, in accordance with his commitment

[[Page E1038]]

to diversity and his general tenacity and grit on the bench.
  In his tenure in our courts of law, Judge McDonald displayed a 
fervent commitment to decency and democracy like no other. At 71 years 
of age he retired his robes and was remembered by his peers as a 
dedicated collaborator and mentor, providing leadership and discernment 
on challenging issues.
  A Toledo resident, his life was one filled with love and devotion to 
family. His three grandsons look onto a great example of a legal legacy 
and a profoundly sweet man. His Wife, Holly Sydlow, shared his love of 
law in her career as an assistant U.S. attorney.
  Judge McDonald led everyday with the intention of imparting his legal 
knowledge unto the next generation of impactful lawyers and legal 
professionals, passing the merits of his valuable tenure unto the 
future of our courts.
  During his time in the courts, Judge McDonald saved all of his jury 
instructions from his years of trial digitally and passed them on to a 
currently seated Judge, thus his legacy and institutional knowledge 
will live on within the systems that miss him so.
  Our courts and our hearts mourn the Joss of Judge McDonald. I express 
my great sympathy for his family and all who were lucky enough to call 
him friend or peer.

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