[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 14 (Thursday, February 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E156]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING MR. LONNIE EUGENE ROARK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 13, 2002

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my uncle, Lonnie Eugene 
Roark, on his 80th birthday.
  My uncle was born on February 11, 1922 in Missouri. He was raised in 
Oklahoma and lived most of his life in La Puente, California.
  My uncle is an excellent father to his three children and two 
grandchildren and serves as a role model for many others. When his 
daughter's husband passed away, he assumed the role as father figure to 
his granddaughter. He would often take her lunch to school, school 
functions, and doctor visits. But most importantly, by taking on a 
paternal role, he filled that empty void in her life.
  His acts of kindness and dedication have inspired many who know him. 
It is a true blessing to have been raised with a role model like him. 
It is not every day that we encounter a person filled with such 
generosity and love.
  Today, I want to wish him a happy birthday and because I am 
especially grateful to be celebrating his 80th birthday because as he 
grows older, I realize how precious his life is and how he has been a 
great source of strength and support for our family. I, like many 
people who know him, admire him and love him dearly.

                          ____________________