[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 87 (Friday, June 13, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1248]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     MEMORIALIZING MR. KEITH GARVEY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 12, 2003

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, today I join with my colleagues, 
Representatives Lofgren and Eshoo, in honoring the life of a dedicated 
public servant, Keith Garvey. Mr. Garvey's recent death ended a life 
committed to work, people, humor, compassion, and most importantly, his 
family. We also lost a great union leader, who fought for the rights of 
working families, and a dedicated Democratic Party activist. His work 
and legacy will be endure through the many lives he touched.
  Born in 1946 to Joseph and Virginia Garvey in Pensacola, FL, Keith 
and his family later moved to Chicago where his parents raised him to 
develop a love for public service. Both of Keith's parents served in 
World War II in the Navy. His father, Joseph Garvey, was a wartime 
pilot and his mother, Virginia Brewster Garvey, taught instrument 
flying to British and United States personnel. Keith followed in their 
footsteps in many ways.
  After graduating from Northwestern University in 1968 with a 
Bachelors Degree in History, Keith answered the Nation's call to duty 
by enlisting in the Army. During his time in the Army, he became an 
excellent soldier and leader. In fact, his leadership inspired 
confidence in his troops who followed him into battle in Vietnam. His 
bravery earned him two bronze stars and the rank of First Lieutenant.
  After his honorable discharge in 1971, Keith explored the world and 
ventured to Australia for a 6 month learning experience, selling 
encyclopedias door to door. Following his trip in Australia, Keith 
returned to the United States moving to the Bay Area, a region he would 
call home for the remainder of his life.
  In the Bay Area, Keith started his career in public service when he 
was hired by the city of San Jose as an emergency dispatcher. When the 
county took over these services in 1974, Keith began what would be 28 
years of service to the county as a supervising dispatcher and union 
leader.
  In 1978, Keith met his wife Carol at work, where both served as 
emergency dispatchers. After 2 years of dating and working with one 
another, they married in Alaska, and, together as a team, worked to 
help the public.
  With his partner by his side, Keith became more involved in his 
union. Through his dedication and tireless efforts, he became a 
respected union leader. His involvement within the Service Employee 
International Union (SEIU) Local 715 offered a clear and effective 
voice to the people he served. As a representative of his union, Keith 
earned the respect and confidence of his fellow colleagues. Eventually 
his volunteer work in the SEIU earned him the position of president of 
the County Employees Management Association (CEMA).
  During his term as president, Keith ventured out into the region to 
help others. He fought for livable wages and worker rights for all 
people. He also joined the United Farm Workers' Movement and became a 
close friend of the Cesar Chavez family.
  After leaving CEMA, he became president and overseer for the County 
Employees Labor Association. Similar to his work at CEMA, Keith 
continued his mission helping county workers up to his death.
  In addition to decades of service fighting for the rights of workers 
and the underrepresented, Keith dedicated countless hours to the 
Democratic Party through his service on the Santa Clara County 
Democratic Central Committee, on hundreds of democratic campaigns, on 
issue campaigns important to working people, and in his work with his 
wife for Democratic Activists for Women Now.
  Mr. Speaker, we rise to mourn the loss of a friend and mentor. We 
have had many opportunities to work with Mr. Garvey, and what was most 
amazing about him was the hard work and determination he had in helping 
others. Along with an unmatched sense of humor, the passion and love he 
had for public service will be missed by many. The Bay Area was 
fortunate to have Mr. Garvey as a resident and activist, and we are 
personally fortunate to represent a region that Mr. Garvey touched with 
his courageous works.

                          ____________________