[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21073]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO MR. RAYMOND HENRY WOOD

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. KIRSTEN E. GILLIBRAND

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 26, 2007

  Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of 
the newest centenarians in my congressional district, Mr. Raymond Henry 
Wood of Glens Falls, New York.
  Ray was born and raised in Wells, New York, on July 26, 1907. He was 
married to Irene (Robbins) for over 50 years, before she passed away 
several years ago. They had 2 daughters, Beverly Palmer, who passed 
away in June of this year; and Bonnie Dow, who resides with her husband 
Ralph in Gansevoort, NY. Ray has several grandchildren, great 
grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
  Ray worked many years delivering milk in the local area for Borden's 
Dairy. He loved to attend auctions and estate sales where he would 
purchase antiques. He refinished many of the treasures he discovered in 
his workshop, for his home or to resell. Ray was a high scoring bowler 
into his late 90's, bowling a 207 at the age of 95, and won the 
senior's league award. He is still an avid coin collector and has the 
latest set of the ``State'' quarters. Ray also loved to play pool, and 
often invited his friends and neighbors to play on his table in his 
basement.
  Ray resides on Raymond Avenue in Glens Falls, New York, where his 
neighbors were blessed with his invariable kindness and generosity for 
over 50 years. He always included his neighbors' sidewalks when 
clearing snow with his snowblower. He was quick to assist any and all 
whenever he saw someone who needed aid in any fashion. It was after his 
95th birthday that he told a friend that he regretfully could no longer 
push his snowblower or mow his lawn. Ray is a true gentleman with a 
great sense of humor, and a beguiling sparkle in his eyes.
  Ray will be honored at an open house on Saturday July 28, 2007, at 
the Gansevoort Fire House, to celebrate his 100th birthday. Ray's 
daughter Bonnie and her husband Ralph Dow will host the party.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to urge all of my colleagues to join me 
in wishing Ray Wood a most happy 100th birthday and to thank him for 
his innumerable acts of kindness to neighbors and strangers alike over 
his long life. Thank you.

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