[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 63 (Friday, May 19, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E788-E789]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE LATE STATE SENATOR DONALD L. GRUNSKY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 19, 2000

  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, today I honor an outstanding 
legislator and trial lawyer who was a long time resident of Santa

[[Page E789]]

Cruz County. Former State Senator Donald L. Grunsky passed away at the 
age of 84.
  Born in San Francisco, Donald received a bachelor's degree from the 
University of California, Berkeley, in 1936 and a law degree from Boalt 
Hall in 1939. He practiced law in the Bay Area for two years before 
entering the U.S. Navy during World War II. After being released from 
the service as a Lieutenant Commander in 1945, Grunsky established his 
law practice in Watsonville. He was the founder of Grunsky, Ebey, 
Farrar & Howell, one of the largest and most highly respected law firms 
in the Central Coast counties. Donald began his political career at age 
32, serving as an Assemblyman from 1947 to 1952 and a Senator from 1953 
to 1976. During his tenure Donald authored important legislation 
including measures to revise the state's divorce laws, the prohibition 
of off-shore drilling, a master plan for education and important water 
conservation measures. Donald also served as a chairman of seven Senate 
committees, some of which included the Finance and Judiciary 
committees.
  Donald will be sorely missed by the many people who were privileged 
to know him both personally and professionally. He will forever be 
remembered by dear family and friends. Donald is survived by his wife 
Mary Lou Grunsky of Watsonville; brother-in-laws, Al Rushton and Joe 
Meidi; and several nieces and nephews.

                          ____________________