The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN RECOGNITION OF THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF MR. PAUL WRABEC
______
HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER
of missouri
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to celebrate the life and legacy of a dear friend, an ambitious leader, and a dedicated public servant: Paul Wrabec. Paul, who passed away on October 20th, never faltered from advocating for the causes he was deeply passionate about, and his advocacy undoubtedly made Jackson County a better place to call home. As a beloved and active member of the Greater Kansas City community, he created change and inspired future generations of policy makers to lead with a sense of conviction. Paul will be missed dearly, and his life is well worth remembering.
A lifelong resident of Sugar Creek, Missouri, Paul comes from a proud Croatian and Slavic family that immigrated to the United States in the early 1900s. Growing up in this thriving immigrant community, Paul was taught the values of equality, union rights, and environmental stewardship. Throughout his life, Paul remained committed to those values as he led a fulfilling career as a civil servant.
A graduate of St. Mary High School and Rockhurst University, Wrabec retired from environmental remediation work in 2005. Operating the Kansas City, Sugar Creek, and Independence License offices with his son, Cyril, Paul ensured that disabled and elderly members of the community had access to much needed services. But his impact as an empathetic community member didn't stop there.
Paul also served on the Sugar Creek Board of Aldermen, and then was first elected to the Jackson County Democratic Party committee in 1978 and was its longest-serving chairperson in nearly 100 years. He was known throughout Jackson County for being able to ``run circles'' around others in fundraising and for constantly raising the bar for successful local campaigns. Always emphasizing the importance of voting, Paul worked tirelessly to rally communities throughout Independence and Sugar Creek ahead of critical elections.
While Paul certainly wore his political beliefs on his sleeve as a loyal Democrat, he was a steadfast believer in building relationships with those across the aisle. Indeed, he found ways to make peace with people from all walks of life, and his gentle demeanor and contagious smile always made him a joy to be around. There is no doubt that he established a connection with every individual he came across.
Looking beyond his extraordinary work as a public official, Paul was a heartfelt family man who enjoyed hunting and fishing at the Lake of the Ozarks with his family. Making time for his loved ones was always his first priority. Paul's storytelling of family history and generous nature will be missed, but all those who have met him will still have felt his impact for the rest of their lives.
Many still remember times when Paul picked up hitchhikers, gave money to the homeless, and happily lent a helping hand to anyone needing anything.
Madam Speaker, please join me in remembering the inspiring, impactful life of Paul Wrabec. Please also join me in offering condolences to his family and all those mourning his loss. Let us seek to emulate his example in the work we do here by preserving Paul's story of public service and human empathy.
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 188
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