[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 53 (Wednesday, April 2, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E647]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           HONORING LEO MARCH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DUNCAN HUNTER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 2, 2003

  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my friend, 
Leo March, who passed away last October. Leo was a successful 
entrepreneur, a devoted family man and a solid public servant.
  Born in September of 1932, Leo suffered many hardships through his 
youth, including being stricken with polio and having to leave school 
after the tenth grade in order to support his family. Despite these 
setbacks, Leo was determined to succeed.
  In 1982, Leo began his own company, Integrated Sign Associates, in La 
Mesa, CA. Starting in a small office, his business grew to include up 
to 40 employees, a satellite office in Van Nuys, CA, and a complete 
fabrication and installation facility of 18,000 square feet located in 
El Cajon, CA.
  Leo was very active in his community and loved San Diego. He was 
involved in local politics working several campaigns. Leo served on the 
Mayor's Sign Force Committee for the City of San Diego, was an expert 
witness for sign design and planning for the California Supreme Court 
and served as President of the California Electric Sign Association. He 
was a member of an advisory board to the California State Senate Select 
Committee on Small Business Enterprises for ten years as well as a 
Panel Moderator for the White House Conference on Small Business and 
the director of the Boys and Girls Mental Health Centers. For over a 
decade, Leo was the Vice Chairman of the Small Business Advisory Board 
in San Diego and he sat on the Selective Service System Board Member as 
a Presidential Appointment for seven years.
  Leo's efforts did not go unnoticed. Leo received a Commendation 
Service to Community Award from San Diego Congressman Bill Lowery. He 
also gained a California State Assembly Resolution touting his 
Community Service in 1991 and in the year 2000, he received the same 
award from the California State Senate. Due to his community service, 
the City of San Diego proclaimed December 6, 1999, as Leo March Day and 
the County of San Diego made May 16, 2000, Leo March Day for the entire 
county.
  Leo's family was an important part of his life as well. He married 
his wife, Donna Jean, on November 27, 1953, and they had two children, 
Ronald James and Linda Ann. He enjoyed spending time with his four 
grandchildren, Lisa, Lori, Chanda, and Ryan, as well as his great 
granddaughter Nicole. Leo enjoyed flying and owned an airplane, a Piper 
Dakota. He was a member of the Gillespie Pilots Association and was 
appointed to the Gillespie Field Development Council in January 2001. 
Leo also enjoyed playing golf and other recreational activities, but 
cherished taking part in activities involving his family most of all.
  Throughout his life, Leo March faced challenges with a positive 
attitude and a determined spirit. Leo accomplished many of the goals he 
set for himself and leaves behind a group of loved ones that admired 
his dedication to community, business and family. I ask you to join me 
in honoring the life of Mr. Leo March.

                          ____________________