[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 119 (Tuesday, September 14, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1861]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM ``BILL'' MEKALIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 14, 1999

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to William 
Mekalian who passed away on January 23, 1999, in Los Angeles, 
California at the University of Southern California Norris Cancer 
Center while he was being treated for an illness.
  Bill was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 10, 1933 during the 
Chicago World's Fair. After graduating from high school, Bill enrolled 
at the University of Illinois. However, he later decided that service 
to his country was more important and decided to join the U.S. Army in 
the summer of 1953 during the Korean War. After serving a few proud 
years in the military, Bill re-enrolled in school at Wright Junior 
College where he was selected to participate in the Carson Pirie Scott 
Executive Training Program. Bill's training motivated him to pursue 
career opportunities in California. It was 1961 when Bill decided to 
move with his parents to Fresno whereupon he secured a job with the 
Gottshalks Department Store. It did not take young Bill long to meet 
Claudette Chuchian of Bakersfield. He married Claudette, and settled in 
Fresno where they began their family. Bill continued his work as a 
sales executive, which led him to consider other business ventures 
including the formation of Javette Truck and Tractor. Over the years, 
the Javette Corporation grew into one of the leading independent heavy 
truck sales companies in the country.
  Bill is known as a kind and generous philanthropist. He was a 
dedicated father and carried a strong commitment to his family. Bill's 
proudest moment was when he witnessed his children graduate together 
from the University of Southern California. Bill was an avid toy 
collector. In fact, his impressive train collection rate as one of the 
best in the world. Several publications and a number of movie sets have 
featured Bill's collection. Some of his collection is displayed at the 
historic train museum in Old Sacramento. A leading toy train magazine 
recently referred to Bill as an ``authority on toy trains.''
  Bill's civic involvement included membership to the Triple X 
Fraternity, an active member of the Republican National Committee, and 
a member of the St. Paul Church Parish Council. He is survived by his 
wife Claudette, his twin children: Yvette Mekalian Mandel of Laguna 
Hills, James Mekalian of Fresno, son-in-law Larry Mandell, and his two 
grandsons Alec and Ari Mandell.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Bill Mekalian for his accomplishments 
and service to his community. I urge my colleagues to join me in 
extending my condolences to the Mekalian family.

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