[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 9 (Friday, January 15, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E39]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                       REMEMBERING WARNER TIMMONS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HALEY M. STEVENS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 15, 2021

  Ms. STEVENS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory of Warner Timmons, 
another beloved husband, father and grandfather lost suddenly and 
senselessly to COVID-19 on December 15.
  I would like to use my personal privilege to share the words of his 
son, Jay Timmons, on the event of his father's passing:

       I am proud and blessed to be Warner Timmons' son. I share 
     his name, as does my own son. I inherited his sarcastic 
     chuckle and his devious laugh, as well as his love of 
     practical jokes--and there has never been someone as good at 
     them as him. His timing was perfect right until the end. He 
     always looked out for those less fortunate and was always 
     rooting for the underdog--traits that he impressed on me to 
     carry with me throughout my career. He passed on his love of 
     animals, especially rescued dogs and cats, of which there 
     were many in our family. Dad taught me how to tie a tie 
     perfectly as I entered the working world--a full Windsor knot 
     with a dimple in the center, even though I was applying to 
     work at a fast-food restaurant.
       He taught me to be respectful to every other human being I 
     encountered and to always have confidence in myself. Even 
     though he was raised in difficult economic conditions during 
     the Great Depression, he coached me on the importance of 
     table manners, of extending courtesy toward others and of 
     maintaining a firm handshake. He taught me to work hard and 
     to take pride in that work. His own work ethic was 
     strengthened during his time in the U.S. Air Force, where he 
     was an airman first class--and was also first chair trumpet 
     in the Air Force Band on his last tour of duty in the former 
     French Morocco in the 1950s. He enjoyed passing along his 
     love of music to his grandkids.
       Maybe the most important thing I learned from my Dad is to 
     never back down from a fight. So, Dad, I promise you one more 
     time that I won't stop now. I'll keep fighting, in every way 
     I can, to help others and to get our country that you loved 
     so much to the other side of this nightmare that was so 
     preventable. And I will hope and pray that doing so will 
     protect other families from enduring the searing pain that we 
     feel right now.

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