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Thomas Countee Obituary
THOMAS H. COUNTEE, JR., ESQ.
Thomas H. Countee, Jr., a retired attorney and former Executive Director of the Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission, died of respiratory failure on Oct. 30th at Washington Adventist Hospital. The Silver Spring resident was 71.Born in Washington, DC, and always known as "Mickey", he was a graduate of Phillips Academy in Andover, MA and attended Harvard College before being confined to a wheelchair as a result of a diving accident in the summer of 1958. He completed his undergraduate studies at American University, received a law degree from Georgetown University, and an MBA from the Harvard Business School.Early in his career, he worked at several federal agencies including the Peace Corps, VISTA, Comptroller of the Currency, the SEC and the OMB. He also taught at Howard University School of Business.After retiring from public service, Mr. Countee traveled widely, enjoyed sailing and then served for many years as pro bono Director of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association. He was active in helping to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act, conducted advocacy and testimony at local and national levels, including participating in the first White House Conference on the Handicapped. Mr. Countee is survived by a daughter, Mekela, two granddaughters, and two brothers, Charles and Michael.A "Celebration" Service will be held at All Souls Unitarian Church, in Northwest Washington, DC. at 3:15 p.m., Sunday, November 14 , 2010.
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Countee
I remember Mickey on the ice during our freshman year at Harvard. He was a fun guy and good player. My thoughts are with our; stand fast. Hank Morgan
Hank Morgan
November 24, 2010
November 23, 2010
Though I hardly knew Mickey, I'll always remember him for the trust he placed in me back in 1994. After I called to tell him his biographical essay for the Harvard Class of 1960's 35th Anniversary Report was simply too long to be published, he encouraged me to proceed with radical editing -- and, then, he enthusiastically praised my effort. Our long distance "dance" culminated in a glorious meeting in person at our 35th Reunion in June of 1995. A wonderful man! - Henry O. Marcy 4th, Harvard '60 (Reading, Massachusetts)
David L. Gibbs
November 11, 2010
To the Countee Family,
Mickey was my first best friend, growing up on Luray Place, I will always remember the good times we had back in the day. My thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow may the love that surrounds you be a source of comfort at this time. GOD BLESS YOU. Rest in peace good friend.
Nicole Gray-Chan
November 11, 2010
I will miss you, Mick. So glad that you got to meet Amelia and spend time with her and with Allen. Lots of love to you. Our condolences to Charles, Michael, and Mekela.
Betty Hewlett
November 10, 2010
Mekela & Family,
I was saddened to learn of Mickey's recent passing, but I have no doubt that the Good Lord awaited him with open arms, for he was indeed one of God's children. I knew Mickey for about 25 years, and knew him to be a vibrant, intelligent person, a family man, and a consummate professional. I started working with him @ MNCPPC in the 1980's and he immediately became a mentor to me, something he didn't have to do, but Mick always reached back to help those coming along behind him. Over the years we became friends, and I later discovered that he had been a lifetime friend of my cousin, Ernie. I didn't know this until I attended Mickey's 50th birthday party, saw my cousin there and listened intently as they both regaled me with all the "war stories" of their youth. Who knew? Anyway, we stayed in touch over the years, even as life took us in different directions, and he always rooted for me with every subsequent career move. That's a friend for you!
One thing that always touched my heart was Mickey's love for his family, particularly his daughter. His mission was to look out for all of you, and believe me, he was driven! Mekela, your father had such love for you, as well as the rest of his family, and a love that powerful will live on in your hearts forever.
With love & sympathy,
Betty Hewlett
Cynthia Quarles Minor
November 9, 2010
You are a very special person, Mickey... I will always remember you.
Cynthia
Bonnie Taylor
November 9, 2010
I was looking through some old photos the other day and I came across some pics of us, the staff of DCDC, at one of our "attitude adjustment days" down by the river in Anacostia Park. What a pleasure it was to work with Mickey and learn how to endure life's lessons. Rest in blessed peace my friend. Your old secretary from DCDC, Bonnie Taylor
Donna Potts
November 8, 2010
Charles you are part of an exceptionally talented family and your brother's legacy will live long after him.
Sincere condolences to you and the family.
Take care of you and see you soon.
Always, Donna
Theresa L. Watson, Esq.
November 8, 2010
Sincerest condolences to Charles and family.
William Gallion
November 8, 2010
Mickey will be missed by the living but welcomed by all who have gone before him, all of the great people who have loved him, took care of him, will be welcoming him home with open arms.
I am so glad I was able to sit and talk with this real man. I am truley blessed to be in this family and will continue to give back to the youth as he and the other great men in this family continue to do. We all will miss you and will always love you!
Thurman Rhodes
November 8, 2010
I had the great pleasure of serving under Mickey's leadership in the Legal Department at the Park and Planning Commission. I found him to be an exceptionally brilliant intellect with a deep sense of compassion. He was a great role model and mentor to me personally and I am grateful to have met him.
Tim Rhodes
Bonita Gardner-Billups
November 7, 2010
There will be an empty chair at the holiday table this year, but it will be filled with loving memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
November 7, 2010
I am proud to have called you my cousin.I have always appreciated the concern you've shown Willie.You will truly be missed. Love you
Janice
patty Brocker
November 7, 2010
such a great loss I am happy to have met you micky
Patty Brocker
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