[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18645]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO PATRICK RYAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 15, 2004

  Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Patrick Ryan, 
a stalwart in education for the folks of southwest Michigan. Over the 
last 62 years, Pat has dedicated his life to the educating, mentoring, 
and training of local youth. Whether, as a teacher, counselor, 
principal, or athletic coach, Pat touched the lives of every student 
who had the fortune of receiving his wisdom and tutelage.
  Over his inspiring career the number of students, colleagues, and 
parents who benefited from Pat's devotion to education is immense and 
it would be an extremely difficult task to hear from all these folks. 
However, over the years a couple of themes have constantly been 
bountiful when speaking of Pat. For students, he was a leader who 
constantly taught that everyone has the chance and ability to make a 
difference--all one needs to do is always give 100 percent to any task, 
big or small. For his colleagues, he was the standard that all strived 
to reach. And for parents, he was the teacher who through example, 
demonstrated respect, kindness, and courtesy to their child.
  Pat also shined and inspired in his life outside of the classroom. He 
and his wife have four children, but somehow over years found the time 
to take troubled children into their home and provide stability into 
their lives. He counseled women with troubled pregnancies, served on 
the Little League Board of Directors, and taught religious education. 
To list the accomplishments of a man like Pat is not an easy endeavor 
to undertake, and to be quite honest, not possible without feeling 
inadequate. He was a teacher who gave his all to the education and 
inspiration of his students, and was a man who dedicated his life to 
the betterment of his fellow citizen.
  I can think of no better honor than to have a past student say that, 
``you were the reason why I chose to become an educator.'' Over the 
years Pat has received this testimonial time and time again, and I 
believe this is an exact statement of an amazing teacher and human 
being.
  Mr. Speaker, Pat Ryan is simply ``The Best.''

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