[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15979]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING BILL GRAFF

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STEVE DRIEHAUS

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 16, 2010

  Mr. DRIEHAUS. Madam Speaker, last weekend, a shining light went out 
in the City of Norwood, Ohio when Bill Graff passed away.
  Before he moved to Norwood eight years ago, Bill was one of the 
millions of Americans whose work formed the backbone of our nation. He 
retired from General Motors after a career that took him from his 
native Michigan to Tennessee.
  It was after he retired that Bill brought his charisma and commitment 
to Norwood, and spent the last years of his life changing that city for 
the better. In the relatively short time he called Norwood home, Bill 
Graff wove himself into the fabric of that community. Whether carrying 
out a restoration that breathed new life into one of Norwood's 
magnificent older buildings, leading the charge to get new equipment 
for Norwood's police and first responders, or brainstorming about their 
next project with Vivian, his wife of 45 years, Bill was always looking 
for new ways to give back and strengthen the bonds that hold Norwood 
together.
  Through his tireless actions, Bill showed us that community means 
more than just a group of people sharing a street or a neighborhood. He 
showed us that community is built upon service to one another, concern 
for our neighbors and our children, and a dedication to improving the 
lives of those around us as well as our own families.
  Especially in these tough times, we look at Bill's life as an example 
of what a single person can do to lift up so many others. He will be 
dearly missed.

                          ____________________