[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 147 (Thursday, November 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2028]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING GORDON HASKELL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 14, 2002

  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember a very 
special man, Mr. Gordon Haskell, a resident of Santa Cruz, CA, who 
passed away on October 4, 2002. Gordon dedicated his life to community 
service, promoting social justice, and advocating for democratic 
principles. It is my honor to stand in this House and acknowledge 
Gordon's life and his legacy to California's 17th Congressional 
District.
  Mr. Gordon Haskell was born the youngest of 10 children August 15, 
1917, in Plovdiv, Bulgaria to Edward Haskell, a second generation 
American Protestant Missionary, and Elisabeth Frolich Haskell of 
Enenda, Switzerland. At the age of 16, Gordon settled in California 
where he attended Voorhee's School for Boys, Occidental College, and 
later graduated from the University of California at Berkeley. Gordon 
worked for 9 years as a locomotive fireman on the Southern Pacific 
Railroad while active as a union organizer in the Independent Socialist 
League. He later moved to New York to serve as editor of the ISL's 
newspaper, Labor Action. After a number of years with the ISL, Gordon 
moved on to become Director of development for the American Civil 
Liberties Union in New York. In 1969, Gordon met his future wife, 
Rachel, as she stirred lemonade at a peace rally in St. Louis. Gordon 
and Rachel spent much of their 32 years of marriage in Santa Cruz, CA.
  Gordon devoted his life,both personally and professionally, to social 
and economic justice and equality. His early dedication to social 
justice evolved into a dogged determination to work in his own 
communities for obtainable and sustainable political and social change. 
Gordon was a tireless petitioner of his local, State, and Federal 
Government. He was a frequent, and always welcome, visitor to my Santa 
Cruz office, often dropping by to deliver mailings, news articles, or 
simply to make sure I was aware of the latest concerns of our local 
community. His experience as a writer and editor was frequently put to 
good use, as Gordon was often chosen to pen letters and resolutions on 
behalf of local democratic clubs and the Santa Cruz County Democratic 
Central Committee. In fact, just weeks before his passing, Gordon 
contributed to a passionately written resolution condemning the 
possible war in Iraq.
  I could always count on Gordon to attend every town hall and public 
meeting I held. He consistently asked the tough questions, sometimes 
praising his elected representatives, but never shy about voicing his 
concerns. Gordon's life-long dedication to participating and 
petitioning his government should be commended and celebrated. Though 
I, and countless others, will surely miss Gordon, his unflagging 
pursuit of justice and equality will be a lasting tribute to the Santa 
Cruz community, and an example for us all.
  Gordon is survived by two children, Guy Haskell of Bloomington, IN, 
and Elisabeth Haskell of Sacramento, CA; 3 stepchildren, Garry Fathman, 
Anthony Fathman, and Mary Fathman-Thomas; 10 grandchildren; 2 great-
grandchildren; and his wife, Rachel. Mr. Speaker, it is truly my honor 
to recognize the life and accomplishments of Mr. Gordon Haskell.

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