[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 195 (Tuesday, November 17, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1041-E1042]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF DAVID L. SPANGLER

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 17, 2020

  Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the legacy of an 
honored veteran, an intense advocate for environmentalism, a beloved 
husband, father, grandfather, friend, and an installation on our Great 
Lakes, David L. Spangler.
  Born in Defiance, OH, David created a story for himself of valor, 
service, family, and intentional advocacy. After honorable service in 
the U.S. Army, where he received a Purple Heart as well as a Bronze 
Star, he became a career operations manager at Johns-Manville for 37 
years. After his retirement he pursued his love of his second home, 
Lake Erie, in licensing a fishing charter boat in Lake Erie's Western 
Basin. After 27 years on the Lake, he is recognized as the fiercest 
advocate for the health and sustainability of the water he loved so.
  David filled an extremely imperative role in his community. He 
instilled tangible first-hand experience in his advocacy and leadership 
around the needs of Lake Erie and the Great Lakes in general. He held 
several leadership positions in advocacy and collective groups such as 
Lake Erie Waterkeeper President as well as the Lake Erie Charter Boat 
Association Vice-President. The Lake community as well as the health of 
the water and the future of fishing on the Lake have been forever 
changed by his actions and candor in these groups.
  David sparked conversations as well as immense political change in 
his tenacity funneled towards the quality of the water of Lake Erie as 
well as curving the harmful algae plaguing the water's fisherman and 
aquatic life. As a Great Lakes Ambassador, he continually set the 
standard for involvement in every level of operations in regard to Lake 
Erie. David was renowned for his resolute defense of sustainability 
coupled with tempered stature of understanding and mutual respect. He 
entered deliberations and discussions grounding his words in fact and 
science and opening ears and perspective to those around him. He stands 
in a class of his own, a practical, tireless, and effective champion of 
change.
  David's life and legacy has been enshrined in his continued defense 
of the waters that he called home. His time spent in meetings, 
briefings, conferences, and surely on his boat have forever impacted 
the quality of the great waters of Ohio's most renowned body of fresh 
water. He dedicated his adult life to pursuit of public service as well 
as set an example that all future public servants, environmentalists, 
community members, Ohioans, and Americans should be inspired to follow.
  David is survived by his beloved wife, Kath ``Kady'' Lerch, whom he 
married in 2007 as well as his sister Mary Engle and children;

[[Page E1042]]

Jared Lerch, Nathan Lerch, Courtney Cochran and Melissa Lerch, and 
finally his three cherished grandchildren. His vigilance on the lakes 
as well as his love for family and his State will be pronounced for 
years to come, both on and off the water.

                          ____________________