[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 19, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1024]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               IN MEMORY OF THE HONORABLE JOSE T. QUINATA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 19, 1999

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, it is with a great sense of sadness that 
I acknowledge the passing of one of Guam's great municipal leaders. The 
Honorable Jose T. Quinata, former mayor of the historical southern 
village of Humatac, passed away on April 29, 1999, at the age of 
seventy one.
  Born on February 16, 1928, to Antonio and Anastacia Quinata, J.T. or 
Tun Jose, as he was popularly known, was committed to serve and protect 
the village of Humatak and the island of Guam. Barely in his teens 
during the Japanese occupation of Guam, Tun Jose enlisted in the Guam 
Militia and later in the Guam Combat Patrol. Having been part of the 
defense of the island against Japanese occupiers in 1941, he assisted 
the United States Marine Corps in seeking out Japanese soldiers 
immediately after the liberation of Guam in 1944.
  In 1949, Tun Jose gained employment in the Naval Government's Police 
Department as a guard. This began a law enforcement career that spanned 
twenty-six years. As a police officer, he earned the respect of 
colleagues and community members for his strength, fortitude, and 
compassion. Upon his retirement from the police force, his love for the 
land and southern traditions carried over through his success as a 
farmer. All this time, Tun Jose was deeply dedicated to the Catholic 
faith having served as a parish council member for many years. He also 
contributed his time and efforts to worthwhile civic, community and 
religious organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America, the Humatak 
Parksh Council, the Parents-Teachers Association and the Holy Name 
Society.
  To be of further service to the village he so loved, Tun Jose ran, 
was elected and served as mayor of Humatac from 1992 to 1996. He worked 
tirelessly towards projects and activities that improved upon the 
quality of lives for the people of Humatac. During his tenure, Tun Jose 
used the annual festival commemorating Ferdinand Magellan's landing on 
Guam in 1521 to foster goodwill between his village and the various 
U.S. military commands under the Sister Village/Command Program. As 
mayor, he was often sought after to give guidance and leadership to 
villagers. Known for his amicability, he commanded great respect--often 
being called upon to work as the intermediary between political 
parties.
  Tun Jose was a close personal friend of mine. He and his lovely wife 
Tan Ana were always there to be of service to the people of Humatak and 
to demonstrate that village's hospitality. I will miss him. The people 
of Humatak will miss him. Adios Tun Jose.

                          ____________________