[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 172 (Sunday, November 23, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2426-E2427]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM (BILL) LYONS, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DENNIS A. CARDOZA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 21, 2003

  Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Secretary 
William (Bill) Edward James Lyons, the V for his service to our Nation 
and to his community. Bill was born in Modesto, California to William, 
the IV, and Mary Lyons on July 4, 1950. He attended school at Modesto 
High School in Modesto, California. Bill then attended college at 
California State University, Chico where he received his bachelor's 
degree and secondary teaching credential.
  Throughout his career Bill has become a well-respected leader in the 
field of agriculture and is consistently sought out for his expertise. 
Appointed by Governor Gray Davis and confirmed by the California State 
Senate, Bill Lyons, Jr. served as the Secretary of the California 
Department of Food and Agriculture, from January 1999 to November 2003. 
As a rancher and businessman, Bill brought nearly three decades of 
leadership and business expertise to the department. As Secretary, Bill 
was responsible for a Department of 2,300 employees, and a budget of 
$250 million. Secretary Lyons' key responsibilities included policy 
development and implementation of programs that support California's 
$27 billion agricultural industry. He was responsible and successful in 
implementing the marketing campaign of the ``Buy California'' program 
in the state. While Secretary, Bill served as president

[[Page E2427]]

of the Western Association of State Departments of Agriculture, chair 
of the Specialty Crop Task Force for the National Association of State 
Departments of Agriculture, and chairman of the Agricultural Worktable 
for the U.S.-Mexico Border Governors' Conference.
  In California's great Central Valley, the Lyons family has been 
engaged in production agriculture for more than 75 years. Secretary 
Lyons managed the 6,000-acre ranch located in the Modesto area from 
1976 to 1999. The ranch produces a number of crop and livestock 
commodities.
  Bill currently serves as a member of the California Water Commission 
and on the Board of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. 
From 1993 to 1999, Bill served as chairman of the USDA's Farm Service 
Agency state committee. Bill was also appointed by the Stanislaus 
County Board of Supervisors to serve from 1996 to 1998 as founding 
director of the East Stanislaus and Toulmne County USDA Agriculture 
Stabilization and Conservation Service Committee, and the Stanisulaus/
San Joaquin Counties' Cattlemen's Association.
  Bill is a widely respected member of his community and has greatly 
contributed to his state and nation. The USDA has honored Secretary 
Lyons on three occasions: in 1998 with a certificate of appreciation; 
in 1997 with an award for excellence; and in 1996 with a national 
environmental award. In 1995, the California Farm Bureau Federation 
recognized him with a service award. The United States Jaycees named 
him the Outstanding Young Man of American in 1984 and both the City of 
Modesto and Stanislaus County has awarded him with various service 
commendations. In addition, California State University at Chico 
awarded Bill in 2000 with a Distinguished Alumni Award.
  Secretary Lyon's illustrious career also includes various elected 
office positions in Stanislaus County such as: Member of the Central 
Catholic High School Board of Directors, Chairman, Doctors Medical 
Center, and Director, Modesto Irrigation District. Bill also worked as 
a Religion teacher at Saint Stanislaus elementary school, in Modesto 
California.
  Throughout his lifetime, Secretary Lyons has demonstrated a deep 
commitment to community service. Throughout the years, he has worked 
with countless community organizations such as the Salvation Army, 
United Way, American Cancer Society, the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, 
and Camp Sylvester, a local youth camp. Additionally, he has coached 
sports teams for nearly two decades.
  It is my pleasure to join the Stanislaus community in recognizing 
Secretary Bill Lyons, Jr. for his commitment to his community, state 
and nation. I have personally known the Lyons family for over two 
decades. Bill Lyons, Jr. and the entire Lyons family have a passion for 
California agriculture and for the values of hard work and community 
service in the San Joaquin Valley. Bill is a trusted and dear friend. I 
look forward to our continued friendship and to his wise counsel, and 
know that Bill's future path will continue to benefit California 
agriculture and all of us in the San Joaquin Valley. It is a pleasure 
to represent Bill and the entire Lyons family in the 18th Congressional 
District of California.

                          ____________________