Celebrating The Life of Chris Semos

Celebrating The Life of Chris Semos -- (House of Representatives - June 16, 2004)

(Mr. FROST asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of my good friend and neighbor, Chris Semos, who died Monday morning at age 68. He was an even-tempered gentleman who provided leadership to his community and to his church. A long-time resident of the Oak Cliffs section of Dallas, Chris served eight terms as a Democratic member of the Texas legislature from 1966 to 1982.

Following that, he served 12 years as a member of the Dallas County Commissioner's Court. He was a thoughtful public servant who worked cordially with members of both parties to benefit his beloved Oak Cliff, his county, and his State.

Additionally, he was a nationally recognized leader of the Greek Orthodox Church. In fact, he met his wife of 37 years, Tassie, at a church conference in North Carolina.

For many years, Chris operated a popular restaurant in Oak Cliff, The Torch, where we shared baklava on many occasions. The victory party for my first successful race for Congress in 1978 was in the back room of The Torch.

Chris quietly made his influence felt in many ways. He introduced the current mayor of Dallas, Laura Miller, to her husband, Steve Wolens, who succeeded Chris in the State legislature. He was recently recognized by the Oak Cliff Lions Club as its Humanitarian of the Year. We will all miss a great community leader, Chris Semos.