[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19679]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LIFE OF HAROLD ``BABE'' ERDOS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 12, 2017

  Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of 
Harold ``Babe'' Erdos who died on July 21, 2017 after a long battle 
with cancer. Babe lived in Morristown, Ohio with his wife Sue.
  Babe was a third-generation coal miner and a union man. He was a 
union member for 46 years and United Mine Worker of America member for 
43 years with Local Union 1304. After working underground for many 
years, he joined the staff of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) 
as a union organizer. In this position, he used his family's stories 
and experiences to advocate for miners. In 1983, he became actively 
involved in the political component of UMWA where he worked to 
influence legislators and to inform miners about legislation that would 
affect them. Even after retirement, he remained actively involved in 
the political action of the union. Babe considered this group of miners 
as a family rather than simply a profession. While Babe is perhaps most 
known for his work with the coal miners, he also served in the United 
States Army during the Vietnam War and later in life he was elected 
Mayor of his hometown of Cadiz, Ohio.
  But above all, Babe was a dedicated husband, father, union member, 
and member of the community. Those who had the pleasure of knowing him 
spoke of his character and commitment to representing working class 
people. He is remembered as a man who never complained and always 
carried himself with a dignity that defined who he was. He leaves 
behind an enormous legacy and some big shoes to fill in the union. I 
extend my deepest sympathies to Babe's family, friends, and Union 
family. I know he is deeply missed by all.

                          ____________________