[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 148 (Tuesday, October 21, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2108]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E2108]]
                       TRIBUTE TO TERRY BRICKLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 21, 2003

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Terry Brickley, who 
passed away from pneumonia on October 6, 2003. Throughout his life, 
Terry was an exceptional community activist and a tireless crusader of 
rights for the disabled, himself a sufferer from multiple sclerosis. He 
is survived by his life partner of thirteen years, Sally Jorgensen, his 
daughter, Tori Bradford, and her husband and son.
  A native Californian, Terry lived in Santa Cruz for the past thirty-
seven years and has played an important role in this community during 
that time. He played a vital role in making public spaces handicap 
accessible, including making the transit district in Santa Cruz the 
first in the country to have fully accessible buses, long before the 
Americans with Disabilities Act was passed. In addition to his amazing 
work as an activist, Terry also founded, headed, and sat on the boards 
of several organizations dedicated to improving the lives of the 
disabled, including Adaptability Unlimited; a San Francisco chapter of 
the California Association for Physically Handicapped which is now the 
Californians for Disability Rights; and the Stroke Center at Cabrillo 
College.
  I had personal contact with him while serving in the California 
Assembly, as we worked together to pass a bill that would allow people 
eager to return to work to remain on Disability Insurance until their 
new job insurance came into effect. With the passage of this bill, it 
made it possible for more people to return to work and once again 
participate in their community. He has shown it is possible for one 
person to make a difference in the lives of so many people, not only in 
his local community but across the state, in starting a movement that 
works to guarantee equal rights for all Americans. Terry was an 
inspiration to me and his legacy will not easily be forgotten. He was a 
true friend and will be missed by many.
  Mr. Speaker, I applaud Terry Brickley's achievements and 
accomplishments. Throughout his life he demonstrated an outstanding 
commitment to this community and to equal rights nationwide that should 
serve as an inspiration to everyone. His service is admirable and his 
character and dedication have made lasting impacts on our community and 
the people with whom he worked, myself included. I join the County of 
Santa Cruz, and friends and family in honoring this truly commendable 
man and all of his lifelong achievements.

                          ____________________