[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 21691-21692]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 PATRICK SWAYZE--ACTOR--ADVOCATE--TEXAN

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 15, 2009

  Mr. POE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember Patrick 
Swayze, actor and advocate. Swayze died at the age of 57--yesterday--
September 14, 2009 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 
born in Houston, Texas, on August 18, 1952 to parents, dancer and 
choreographer Patsy Swayze, and the late engineer draftsman, Jesse 
Swayze.
  A great actor, singer and dancer and an outstanding native Texan, 
Swayze had a long and distinguished career that made him an American 
icon. Known for his work in many films including ``The Outsiders'', 
``Dirty Dancing'', and ``Roadhouse,'' Swayze has been gracing the big 
screen for over four decades. He received four Golden Globe nominations 
for his performances in ``Ghost'' and ``To Wong Foo, Thanks for 
Everything! Julie Newmar''.
   Patrick Swayze had been suffering from pancreatic cancer since 
January 2008. Despite his own illness, Swayze's unwavering dedication 
to bring awareness and fight cancer remained clear until his final 
days. He recently wrote a letter to Congress asking for support and 
funding towards the National Institutes of Health for treating cancer 
as well as other life threatening illnesses. Swayze brought necessary 
attention to pancreatic cancer by making fellow Americans aware that 
``more than 1.4 million will be diagnosed with cancer in their 
lifetimes,'' and reminding them ``that they are not alone.''
   Patrick's rise to fame began at Waltrip High School in Houston. 
After graduation, he enrolled in San Jacinto College, located in the 
second district of Texas, to focus on gymnastics. His training allowed 
him to take his first step toward stardom as Snow White's Prince 
Charming with the Disney's Parade Ice Show. Shortly after, he traveled 
to New York City in order to pursue his first love, dancing. However, 
an old football injury ended his ballet career, directing Swayze 
towards acting. Swayze starred in over 33 movies, 7 theatre 
productions, and had numerous television roles and appearances 
throughout his accomplished career.
   Swayze leaves behind his wife of over thirty years, Lisa Niemi. 
Together they weathered a journey of both success and disappointment. 
Swayze and Niemi's love and commitment for one another was unwavering 
until the very end.
   On behalf of the second congressional district of Texas, I rise to 
remember a true native Texan, Patrick Swayze for his outstanding 
achievements in the entertainment business and in the fight against 
cancer. His life is truly an example to all. He will be remembered as a 
role model and a shining example of hard work, determination, and the 
spirit of Texas.

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