[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 74 (Monday, May 19, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E994]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO MR. RALPH W. THOMPSON III

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                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 19, 2003

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Ralph W. Thompson 
III for his ongoing contributions to the Monterey Peninsula in my 
Central California district. On May 19th, 2003, the Monterey County Bar 
Association will honor Mr. Thompson with the Chief Justice Phil Gibson 
award. The award is named in honor of the late California Supreme Court 
Chief Justice and Carmel neighbor of my parents, Phil Gibson. Chief 
Justice Gibson served from 1939 to 1964 and was know for his 
comprehensive reorganization of the California court system and for his 
lonely stance against the internment of Japanese-American citizens 
during WWII. The award recognizes service in the legal profession that 
follows in the tradition of integrity and innovation set by Chief 
Justice Gibson.
  Mr. Thompson has practiced law in Monterey, California, for many 
years. He is a graduate of Loma Linda University and California Western 
School of Law. He also holds a California teaching credential. His 
professional career has included stints with the U.S. Treasury 
Department, the Monterey County District Attorney's Office, and various 
teaching positions with Monterey Peninsula College, Golden Gate 
University, and the University of California. But the bedrock of Mr. 
Thompson's career has been his stellar legal practice helping the 
people of Monterey County.
  Mr. Thompson enjoys the very highest reputation amongst his peers. He 
is known for his high ethical standards, fair client representation, 
and universal courtesy. He is also an innovator in his field, having 
founded one of the leading mediation and arbitration practices in 
Central California. He has served in numerous professional leadership 
positions, including president of the Monterey County Trial Lawyers 
Association, the Monterey County Bar Association, and a member of the 
Consumer Attorneys of California Board of Governors.
  Beyond the professional achievements, Mr. Thompson has been a leader 
in the community. He has served in leadership roles with Legal Services 
for Seniors, the American Cancer Society of Monterey, the Monterey Bay 
Center for the Arts, Rotary, and the Pacific Grove Unified School 
District. The totality of this service, both professional and public, 
warrants the recognition of the Gibson award as well as this House.

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