[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 138 (Saturday, October 28, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1993]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING CLIFF HARTLE ON OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 27, 2000

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, today I honor Mr. Cliff 
Hartle, President/CEO of the Gasser Foundation. Mr. Hartle is retiring 
this year, at the age of 85, after serving the community in this 
organization since its creation in 1989.
  Cliff Hartle is a remarkable, dedicated and vital community member of 
Napa County. He graduated from Napa High School in 1933. He worked 
diligently for Berglund Tractor, starting part-time in high school and 
then working his way up the ranks until he retired as vice-president 
after 36 years of loyalty and dedication.
  When Vernice and Peter Gassar began the Gassar Foundation for the 
betterment of life for the residents of Napa County, they looked to 
Cliff Hartle to help shape this organization. They know him as a kind, 
generous, intelligent and hard-working businessman. He has exceeded 
expectation and has been instrumental in the foundation's success. His 
co-workers and associates have a deep respect and love for him.
  Under Cliff Hartle's leadership and guidance, The Gassar Foundation 
has given $9 million to 275 recipients and 150 schools. The two main 
beneficiaries have been Justin Siena High School and the Queen of the 
Valley Hospital Foundation. However, almost all of Napa County's non-
profit organizations have been supported by the generosity of the 
Gassar Foundation with Cliff Hartle working diligently on its behalf.
  Specifically, the Gassar Foundation has been instrumental in building 
an Emergency Room, a new maternity wing and a media center for 
students. It has helped in the acquisition and preservation of Napa-
Solano County Wetlands for Ducks Unlimited. The Foundation has 
contributed greatly to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa, St. Helena and 
American Canyon, the Napa County Homeless Shelter, the Napa Valley 
Symphony, the American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts, Little 
League and countless other non-profit agencies that help the homeless, 
disabled, and underprivileged. Cliff Hartle and the Gassar Foundation 
have touched the lives of thousands in our community.
  Cliff Hartle has received numerous awards and recognition from non-
profit agencies, including last year's Queen of the Valley Hospital's 
President's Crystal Clock Award.
  Cliff Hartle is a dedicated family man. He and his wife, Louetta, 
married for 64 years, are blessed with one daughter, Patty and two 
grandchildren, Sean and Sara.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to represent Mr. Cliff Hartle as his 
Congressman. His distinguished service to the community has been 
immense and his dedication and leadership is inspirational to all. For 
these reasons, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize Cliff 
Hartle for his meritorious service to the people of Napa and Solano 
County, California.




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