[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 66 (Monday, May 19, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E961]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      TRIBUTE TO HON. NOEL WATKINS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. VIC FAZIO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 16, 1997

  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
Honorable Noel Watkins. Mr. Watkins is retiring from his position as 
superior court judge of Tehama County, CA.
  Mr. Watkins was born in Alturas, CA, in October 1932, a descendent of 
pioneer ranchers. In his early years he attended public school in Chico 
and continued on to Chico State College where he received a bachelor's 
degree in political science with honors. After graduation he married 
Mary Jane Carpenter, native of Tehama County. His academic pursuits led 
him on to the University of California at Berkeley, Boalt Hall School 
of Law, where in 1957 he was admitted to the California Bar.
  Mr. Watkins returned to his northern California roots where he 
entered into private practice with Rawlins Coffman in Red Bluff. One 
year later he was appointed as deputy district attorney for Tehama 
County. This was to be only the beginning of a long career of public 
service. Over the next 38 years Mr. Watkins continued to serve the 
people of Tehama County. As the justice court judge for Red Bluff 
Judicial District while maintaining his own private practice. By 1975 
he was elected to serve as superior court judge of Tehama County. His 
seat remained unchallenged for the duration of his career.
  Judge Watkins will always be remembered as a man of honesty and 
integrity. His knowledge and expertise earned him a position on the 
California Judges Association's executive board as well as his receipt 
of their ``25-Year Service to the Bench Award.'' It is with great honor 
that I recognize this man and his commitment to public service. Noel 
Watkins is a statesman whose service to this county is synonymous with 
justice.
  On December 31, Judge Watkins will step down from the Bench. He will 
join his wife Mary Jane and their two children Laura Lazar and Charles 
Watkins and extended family to begin a new phase of life. Although more 
time may be spent hunting and fishing, it is without a doubt that law 
will be a part of that future.
  His absence will be a loss to the community. I offer my best wishes 
for his retirement and look forward to acknowledging his future 
accomplishments in the years ahead.

                          ____________________