[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 47 (Tuesday, April 26, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 26, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                TRIBUTE TO ROBERT ``BOB'' BERKLEY BALLOU

                                 ______


                          HON. JULIAN C. DIXON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 26, 1994

  Mr. DIXON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay a special tribute to 
attorney Robert ``Bob'' Berkley Ballou, who on December 31, 1993, began 
a richly deserved retirement from the active practice of law in Los 
Angeles. Bob's career as an attorney spanned almost four decades, 
during which he earned a reputation as an astute counselor, a 
trustworthy friend, and a devoted family man. In recognition of his 
distinguished career in law, on Saturday, April 30, 1994, just one day 
after celebrating his 65th birthday, family, friends, and colleagues of 
Bob's will gather to honor him at a surprise retirement brunch at the 
Proud Bird Restaurant in Los Angeles.
  Born in Pittsburgh, PA on April 29, 1929, to Mr. Henry Morris Ballou 
and Ms. Dorothy Walker Lee, Bob spent his early youth in Pittsburgh 
before relocating with his family to Los Angeles. He attended Forshay 
Junior High School, Manual Arts High School, and Los Angeles State 
College before receiving his law degree from Southwestern Law School.
  In 1956, Bob joined the law offices of attorney Calvin Porter. In 
1959, he became a solo practitioner with the opening of an office on 
what was then Santa Barbara Boulevard. He remained in practice for 2 
years before teaming with attorney Bill Woods to open an office on 
Western Avenue. Attorneys Woods and Ballou practiced together for 14 
years. In 1975 Bob decided to go solo once again and opened another 
office where he remained until his retirement in December 1993.
  Throughout his distinguished career, Bob maintained a visible and 
influential presence in the Los Angeles community. He has been an 
enthusiastic supporter of many community service organizations, 
including the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA), the Robert 
Brooks Ballou Foundation, and various mentor programs. His dedication 
and commitment to excellence have served to inspire many aspiring young 
men and women.
  Bob Ballou has earned the admiration and respect of many individuals. 
To those he has touched, he is known as a friendly, loving, and caring 
person. It has often been said that ``[Bob] has met no strangers, [and] 
everyone is his friend.'' As an individual who has had the privilege of 
knowing him for many years, these words aptly describe an individual 
who has reached out to numerous individuals and endeavored to assist 
anyone who needed help. Indeed, his keen perceptions of the needs of 
his fellow human beings and his high ethical standards, have been the 
guiding principles of his life and the hallmarks of his career as an 
attorney at law.
  Bob has had two loves in his life--his family and his golf. He has 
never allowed anything or any person to stand in the way of his 
absolute love and support for his wife Patti, and their children, 
Nikki, Candice, and Brian.
  Now that he has retired, Bob and Patti have moved to northern 
California, where Bob's other love--golf--is just a ``stone's throw'' 
away from the couple's home. Bob and Patti's residence overlooks the 
golf course and they are enjoying the company of close personal 
friends.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to commend Robert ``Bob'' Berkley Ballou on 
his outstanding contributions to the practice of law, and to the 
citizens of Los Angeles. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending to 
him and Patti our very best wishes for a wonderful and well-deserved 
retirement, full of prosperity and good health. Bob, may you 
consistently shoot under par and have your share of holes in one.

                          ____________________