[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 126 (Tuesday, October 1, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H6787-H6788]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF GUADALUPE CANTU

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Pence). Pursuant to the order of the 
House of January 23, 2002, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa) is 
recognized during morning hour debates for 5 minutes.
  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great 
man, Mr. Guadalupe Cantu, who passed away on May 11, 2002 in McAllen, 
Texas, at the age of 79. I want to express my condolences to his wife, 
Elida, and his son and daughters, Alonzo, Elvia, and Hilda.
  Guadalupe Cantu was not famous. Outside of my Texas congressional 
district, very few people knew him. But to me, he epitomized what every 
man should strive to become. Guadalupe Cantu and his wife came to this 
country in search of democracy and hope and promise for a better life. 
He began his adult life as a Mexican migrant farm worker and expert 
carpenter. He traveled throughout the country doing the hard manual 
farm labor that most Americans refuse to do; and yet, because of his 
hard work and the work of others like him, America produces food enough 
to feed our Nation and most of the world as well.
  Guadalupe Cantu was never ashamed of the hard work he did, but he 
wanted something better for himself and his family. He strove for 
personal excellence and became a successful general contractor. Mr. 
Cantu knew that education was the key to future success. He and his 
wife, Elida, made sure that their three children went to school and 
stayed in school. No matter where the family traveled as they followed 
the harvest, they always returned to the Rio Grande Valley in time for 
the first day of school.
  Guadalupe and his wife, Elida, made the great sacrifices necessary 
and ensured that each of their children received a college education. 
From Mr. Cantu's work in the fields and in his construction business, 
he understood that no one can accomplish anything alone. He realized 
early on the power of working together and involving the community. He 
passed along to his son, Alonzo, the construction and building skills 
that he had learned so well. Armed with a college education and his 
father's guidance, Alonzo has become the largest and most successful 
residential and commercial developer in McAllen, Texas. Mr. Cantu 
encouraged his daughter, Elvia, to pursue a career in pharmacy 
entrepreneurship. Today, she and her husband own several independent 
pharmacies. His daughter, Hilda, inherited his love of learning and 
became a wonderful school teacher.
  More importantly, Mr. Cantu passed along to his children a passion 
for working hard, perseverance, and setting high goals. Both he and his 
wife became American citizens to enjoy the opportunities and the 
freedom in this great Nation. His example of doing his best, taking 
responsibility, caring for others, exercising integrity, and community 
service was learned well by his children and grandchildren.
  Guadalupe Cantu never forgot where he came from, and believed that 
everyone had a duty to help those less fortunate. He inspired his son, 
Alonzo, to initiate the McAllen Affordable Homes Project and to build 
the Los Encinos Project. This nationally recognized housing project has 
provided safe, affordable homes to many families leaving the welfare 
rolls. The planned community includes an elementary school, a police 
and fire substation, a boys and girls club satellite building, baseball 
and soccer fields, and other amenities. Residents of the community take 
pride in their homes and are building home equity.
  Mr. Speaker, if all of us use Guadalupe Cantu as our example, our 
children would be well educated and very successful, our community 
would be stronger, our friends would be numerous, and our world would 
be a better place. I can think of no better example of greatness. Many 
of Mr. Cantu's hopes and dreams for his children and grandchildren were 
fulfilled. He will truly be missed by all, but his goodness lives on 
through his family and their countless accomplishments and good deeds. 
His kindness and generosity will never be forgotten.

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