Paul was born in Manhattan's Lower East Side on December 21, 1922. He studied ventriloquism from an early age, overcoming speech impediments and a difficult family life. He would go on to become one of the great pioneers of early television, bringing a smile to every household with his ventriloquism act on the Paul Winchell-Jerry Mahoney show in the 1950's.

To younger generations, Paul was best known as the voice of Tigger, the loveable tiger from Walt Disney's adaptation of ``Winnie the Pooh.'' He also played numerous roles on children's programs such as the Jetsons, the Smurfs, the Brady Bunch, and the Beverly Hillbillies. But Paul was much more than an entertainer--he was also an innovative thinker and inventor with thirty patents.

In 1959, Paul decided to return to school and attended Columbia University. Later, he pursued graduate work in acupuncture and hypnosis. His education led to projects for the American Red Cross and the Leukemia Society. In 1963 he joined forces with Doctor Henry Heimlich, and together they developed and patented the first early artificial heart. Rather than use his invention for profit, he donated the heart to the University of Utah, where it served as the prototype for Dr. Robert Jarvik's first successful artificial heart implant in 1982.

Paul Winchell lived a life of unparalleled diversity. Whether making children smile or improving lives through innovation, he dedicated his talents to the betterment of his surroundings, and I request that we honor him for a life well lived.