[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 155 (Saturday, December 19, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2366]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN HONOR OF LEONARD SOMDAHL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Saturday, December 19, 1998

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Leonard Somdahl, 
a good friend and a man dedicated to the economic betterment of his 
community.
  On a day fraught with solemn, weighty and sad decisions, it's 
important to recognize the Americans in whose names we vote today, 
Americans who raise their families and work to make America strong. 
Leonard Somdahl is one such American.
  Leonard Somdahl was born and raised in Minnesota. He moved to the San 
Joaquin Valley in California in 1946, then migrated south to Ventura 
County. He worked for McMann Furniture, then went into business for 
himself. Thirty-one years ago, he started with First American Title Co. 
He retired from First American in August, but hasn't stopped working.
  I met Leonard during my years in the real estate business. His 
dedication to his profession and the business community impressed me. 
In addition to his dedication to First American, Leonard Somdahl took 
an active role in the Building Industry Association, Ventura County 
Chapter; the Ventura County Economic Development Association; the 
Christian Business Men's Committee in Santa Barbara and Ventura; and 
the Ventura County Taxpayers Association. As a member of the 
International Right of Way Association, he held all chairs and 
ultimately became president of Santa Barbara Chapter 47.
  Non-industry groups have also benefited from his generosity. Leonard 
Somdahl has participated as an active board member and charter member 
of Network for Housing, a nonprofit group to support affordable housing 
in Ventura County; is a past member of the Y's men's club and a 
financial support group for YMCA activities; and is a past volunteer 
for the Oxnard Boys Club. He has donated to such groups as Navajo 
schools in Arizona, the Lions Club, Muscular Dystrophy, the American 
Cancer Society, the Ventura County Rescue Mission, and City Impact, an 
organization to help young people get off drugs and improve their self-
esteem.
  Leonard Somdhal is also a dedicated family man. He and his wife. 
Ellen, have raised a daughter and three sons. The couple have five 
grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in recognizing Leonard 
Somdahl for his decades of service and wish him and his family Godspeed 
in his retirement.

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