[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 99 (Friday, June 16, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1282]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




[[Page E1282]]


                    TRIBUTE TO RICK DIAZ CHANTENGCO

                                 ______


                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 16, 1995

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I rise today to honor a great 
friend, veteran, business entrepreneur, and civic leader who passed 
away on June 2, 1995--Rick Diaz Chantengco.
  Rick was a living proof of just how fine a person can be! His life 
exemplified kindness and inspired emulation. His untimely departure 
brought emptiness to places which he filled with energy and enthusiasm 
in the Filipino-American community.
  In 1957, Rick enlisted in the submarine force of the U.S. Navy in 
which he served during the Bay of Pigs Conflict, Cuban Missile Crisis, 
and Vietnam war. In 1969, he was a Chief Petty Officer when he received 
an honorable medical discharge.
  Rick graduated from San Diego City College with a Bachelors Degree in 
Business and Real Estate Law in 1969. Armed with his military 
experience and knowledge in real estate business, he founded Chantengco 
Realty, serving as president and broker. He also was the board chairman 
of the Pacific Rim Century, a hotel real estate investment corporation.
  Rick used his expertise to help the community in which he lived. He 
assisted in the purchase of a permanent building for the Union of Pan 
Asian Communities, the largest social service agency in San Diego 
County. He was the founder and charter member of the Filipino-American 
Democratic Club of San Diego County, the first such Filipino club in 
California. He organized and chaired fund-raising campaigns for 
numerous candidates for political offices.
  We all come across a small number of special people, those who touch 
our minds, hearts, and souls with their optimism and dedication to 
making everyone's life richer. Rick was one of those chosen few who won 
the respect and admiration of his family, friends, and community for 
his unwavering commitment to hard work, community involvement, and a 
sincere belief that one person can make a difference. This world needs 
more people like Rick Diaz Chantengco, who will be sorely missed.
  My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Tess, and his children, 
J.R., Jacqueline, and Jeanne.
  According to Rick's son, J.R. de Jesus Chantengco, he wanted to be 
remembered in the following way:

       As a father, one you can always look up to and rely on. He 
     must lead a very full and God-fearing life. He must set a 
     good example to his wife, his children, and his friends.
       As a friend, one who never asks for accolades but through 
     his actions, many people will respect him.
       As a business colleague, one who was charged with authority 
     and the highest ethical standards.
       As a professional, one who has always strived to be the 
     best and whose business motto is Service is Our Business.
       And as a person, one who continually helped others 
     unselfishly, strived for social and political justice, and 
     did them with much enthusiasm.
       He wants to be remembered as the man who measures his 
     success by how proud he is of the success of his children; by 
     the most supportive and loving wife he will always have, and 
     by the many friends' lives he has enriched by his helping 
     hand and his caring smile.

                          ____________________