[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 125 (Friday, September 18, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1759]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HARRY FREDERICK CASEY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 18, 1998

  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to note the passing of a 
journalist, a community leader, a father and a friend, Harry Frederick 
Casey.
  Harry was born in Watsonville, California but by his high school 
years he had moved to King City which became his home. Harry attended 
University of California Berkeley, graduating in 1950 with a degree in 
journalism, and served in the United States Navy during World War II.
  In 1952, Harry became a co-publisher of ``The Rustler,'' the 
newspaper started by his grandfather in 1901, and his exceptional 
career in journalism began. By increments, Harry acquired other 
newspapers in the area, the Greenfield News, the Soledad Bee, and the 
Gonzales Tribune, He lent his expertise to professional organizations, 
serving as president of the California Newspaper Publishers Association 
in 1976, and as director of the California Press Association from 1986 
to 1996 and president in 1993-94. Harry was nominated ``Publisher of 
the Year'' by Cal Press in 1981.
  Harry was intricately involved in the life of his community. He was a 
charter member of the King City Junior Chamber of Commerce, and a 
member of the Rotary, Knights of Columbus, Toastmasters, American 
Legion, the Monterey County and State Cattlemen's Association, and the 
Monterey County Agriculture and Rural Life Museum. He served in public 
office on the King City Council. Harry's contributions did not go 
unrecognized. He was named ``Jaycee of the Year'', in 1961, and ``Man 
of the Year'' by the King City Chamber of Commerce in 1981. My father, 
State Senator Fred Farr, acknowledging him as setting the tone for his 
community, always invited Harry to the annual Buckeye weekends. The 
guests at these get-togethers included the leadership on the interior 
and coastal areas of Monterey County. The friendly and festive 
atmosphere had the combined purposes of conviviality, and of reminding 
ourselves of how much we value, and must care for, our region.
  Harry's remarkable spirit is illustrated by the fact that he penned 
two novels, ``Land of the Eagle'' and ``Pen and Plow'' during his 
illness with cancer. A trilogy ``Centennial Edition'' has just been 
published as well.
  Our hearts go out to Harry's family, his wife Peggy; his sons Richard 
and Bill; his daughters Sharon and Patty; his step-sons Michael and 
Patrick Barbree; his step-daughters Kelly, Shannon, Laurie, and 
Kathleen; and his 17 grandchildren.
  Harry was a major influence in his community. His voice will be 
missed, yet his thoughts will remain a part of the cultural history of 
Monterey County. He was a friend. I miss him too.

                          ____________________