[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21404]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING WARREN WILSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 4, 2003

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Warren Wilson, a 
former constituent and friend whose short life touched those with whom 
he came into contact.
  Warren Wilson was, more than anything else, generous. I have met few 
people in my life whose generosity and charity exceeded Warren's. He 
willingly gave his time, energy, and money to help those in need. He 
performed free legal work for those who could not afford it. He raised 
money for charitable organizations that helped the poor and 
downtrodden. He volunteered to serve on the boards of local community 
and service organizations.
  Warren Wilson was, however, more than just an asset to our community. 
He was a loving husband to his wonderful wife, Beth. He was a devoted 
father to his fine son, Scott. And he was a mentor to my children, 
especially to my son Gus, who runs the law practice that I started 
before I came to Congress.
  Warren also was my friend. He was someone with whom I could watch a 
baseball game, someone with whom I could discuss the issues we debate 
in this hallowed chamber, and someone with whom I could talk about life 
and our roles in it. One of my proudest and most gratifying moments in 
Congress came when I was able to appoint his son to serve as a 
congressional page. Warren was so proud of Scott, as was I for the 
outstanding job he did during his time in Washington.
  Mr. Speaker, I was blessed to know Warren Wilson and to have had him 
as a friend. And the world is a much better place for having had him in 
it. I know that, although his earthly life has passed, his impact will 
be felt by those he touched for many, many years to come.

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