[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 1040]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


                       REMEMBERING ROGER GROSSMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 7, 2006

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise with sadness today on the occasion 
of the death of my friend and constituent, Roger Grossman of Mill 
Valley, California, who died January 26, 2006, after an extended battle 
with prostate cancer.
  Roger was relatively new to Marin County, arriving 5 years ago as the 
new publisher for the Marin Independent Journal, the IJ, the daily 
paper for thousands of residents. He quickly established himself as a 
forceful, astute leader and a caring contributor to the community, both 
as an individual and in his role as newspaper publisher.
  Originally from Seattle where he got his start with the Seattle Post-
Intelligencer, Roger also worked at several radio stations, held 
publishing posts in San Diego and Michigan, and wrote, ``Eleven Steps 
to Advertising Success.'' In 1989 he joined MediaNews Group, the parent 
company of the Marin IJ.
  One of Roger's best-known activities was his crusade to bring 
attention to the issue of workforce housing. Realizing that the high 
cost of housing in Marin County was hurting the economy by driving 
workers farther and farther away, he ran a hard-hitting series 
highlighting the issue and championed the creation of the Marin 
Workforce Housing Trust by the County's large employers. He also spoke 
out on Marin's high rates of both breast cancer and prostate cancer, 
important public health issues.
  A frequent presence at so many events that an IJ editorial opined 
that he ``seemed to be everywhere,'' Roger's visibility was enhanced by 
his imposing physical stature, vibrant energy, and warmth of spirit. As 
an advocate for the many nonprofits that are the fabric of the 
community, he supported causes ranging from the arts to health care to 
youth services. He served on many boards including Dominican University 
of California, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Marin Ballet, the Novato 
Chamber of Commerce, United Way, the California Film Institute, and the 
School to Career Partnership and won several awards including Heart of 
Marin.
  He is survived by his wife Cheryl and children Erik, Stephanie, 
Trent, and Elliott.
  Mr. Speaker, Roger Grossman's passing will leave a hole in the fabric 
of Marin County. His compassion, resolve, and buoyant energy leave a 
legacy for us in how one person can make a difference to his community, 
his colleagues, his family, and his many friends.

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