[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 823]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  IN REMEMBRANCE OF MICHAEL C. BARRETT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 14, 2009

  Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory of my dear 
friend, Michael C. Barrett. He was a brilliant attorney, involved civic 
leader, and philanthropist always looking for ways to give back to his 
community.
  Although born in Salt Lake City, Michael was a Texan at heart. He was 
raised in Sherman, Texas and went on to graduate with a Bachelor of 
Science from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1974 and the 
Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University in 1977. His 
academic excellence in law school earned him the American Jurisprudence 
Award and membership with the Journal of Air Law & Commerce. After 
graduation, Michael practiced with various firms before deciding to 
start his own firm, Barrett Daffin Frappier Turner & Engel, in 1990. As 
the founder and Chairman, he turned this Texas-based company into one 
of the nation's leading mortgage banking law firms. He was a pioneer 
and a leader of the mortgage banking industry, serving as a trusted 
advisor on mortgage banking issues for the Texas Supreme Court and 
Texas Legislature.
  Aside from his professional career, Michael was an enthusiastic 
supporter of many local nonprofit organizations and causes like the 
Addison Police Department and veterans support groups. His generosity 
extended to nonprofits such as Hope's Door, KickStart, Dallas Junior 
Forum, and the Special Olympics. In 2007, Michael founded the BDF 
Homeworks Foundation, which encourages employees to become more 
involved in their local community by providing volunteer and 
contribution opportunities. Not only did this provide valuable 
financial support to nonprofits, but also boosted the esprit de corps 
among employees.
  Michael was always full of life and had an amazing ability to 
captivate people's attention with his stories. He was as wise as he was 
generous and loving. He cared deeply for his friends and family and 
will be greatly missed. May the peace of God be with those he loved and 
sustain them through this hour of sorrow.

                          ____________________