[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 87 (Thursday, June 13, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1084]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO DUNCAN H. KESTER

                                 ______


                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 13, 1996

  Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, it is with pleasure that I rise today to 
pay special tribute to Duncan H. Kester, the standing chapter 13 
trustee for division 5 of the northern district of California--counties 
of Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey--on his 
retirement, effective June 30, 1996, after 29 years of service in that 
capacity.
  Mr. Kester served with the U.S. Army Air Force in World War II as a 
flight officer-navigator, second lieutenant. After the war, he married 
Marvis Horgan on February 16, 1946. He is the father of four children, 
two daughters, and twin sons, and is also a grandfather.
  In July 1967, Duncan Kester was appointed to serve as the first 
chapter XIII trustee in the newly created area 2 commercial district of 
the northern district of California consisting of the counties of 
Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Benito, 
and Monterey by the bankruptcy referees at the direction of the judges 
of the northern district of California. After the bankruptcy code was 
adopted in 1978, Mr. Kester became the standing chapter 13 trustee for 
divisions 3 and 5 of the northern district of California, consisting of 
the counties of San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San 
Benito, and Monterey. After the implementation of the United States 
Trustee Program, Mr. Kester continued his chapter 13 trusteeship with 
his appointment by the new United States trustee for region 17.
  Mr. Kester served as a leader holding a number of offices with the 
National Association of Chapter Thirteen Trustees [NACTT], including 
serving as president of that organization in 1975-76. He has appeared 
frequently as a lecturer at educational seminars before creditors, 
attorneys, business education students, and commercial associations.
  During his long and illustrious tenure as a trustee, Mr. Kester has 
administered approximately 100,000 cases through which roughly one-half 
billion dollars was paid by debtors to creditors. Through his office, 
thousands of debtors have been able to save their homes and property by 
restructuring their finances in chapter 13 plans. In addition, 
thousands of small business men and women have been able to continue 
operating their restructured companies and maintain the employment of 
their workers by filing chapter 13 plans.
  Mr. Kester, known as ``Duke'' and ``Mr. K,'' to his friends and 
colleagues, has earned the respect and affection of debtors, creditors, 
attorneys, and judges, and his employees.
  I am proud to have the honor to offer Duncan H. Kester my sincere 
thanks and gratitude for his many years of exemplary service to our 
community and ask that my colleagues join me in wishing him a happy 
retirement.

                          ____________________