[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 176 (Tuesday, December 9, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2532]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO MR. WILLIAM ``BILL'' HUGHES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN T. DOOLITTLE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 8, 2003

  Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to pay tribute to an 
outstanding citizen and a close friend, Mr. William ``Bill'' Hughes, 
from Citrus Heights, California. Well known for his dedication to 
family, faith, and community, Bill Hughes passed away unexpectedly on 
November 25, 2003, while visiting family in Utah for Thanksgiving. He 
was 55 years old. Though seemingly cut short, Bill's life was, 
nonetheless, filled with much experience, accomplishment, and success.
  Very fittingly, Bill Hughes was born on the Fourth of July in 
Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1948. Raised on his parents' ranch, he 
grew up enjoying the outdoors and engaging in hard work. He could often 
be found on horseback, even as a small child. When the Hughes Family 
moved to the rural community of Orangevale in Sacramento County, 
California, Bill's interests grew to include flying small aircraft out 
of the old Phoenix Field.
  After graduating from Bella Vista High School, Bill served as a 
missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 
ministering among the Spanish-speaking population of Southwest Texas. 
Upon his return home, he met and married the love of his life, Sarah. 
Together, they soon started a family and settled in Citrus Heights.
  Having completed a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal science at 
California State University, Sacramento, Bill launched a three decade 
career in law enforcement. Following a two-year stint with the Federal 
Bureau of Investigation, he accepted a position with the Roseville 
Police Department. In his 28 years on the force, he helped found the 
SWAT team, spearheaded the implementation of neighborhood policing, and 
eventually rose to the rank of lieutenant. Strangely, he passed away 
exactly one year from the day he retired from the department.
  Mr. Speaker, Bill also displayed great concern for the future of his 
own community by driving the move to incorporate the City of Citrus 
Heights. In fact, with the birth of the City of Citrus Heights in 1997, 
Bill Hughes was sworn in as its first mayor. During his seven years on 
the city council, including three as mayor, he spurred the creation of 
neighborhood associations, guided major economic development efforts, 
and improved local law enforcement. Due to his leadership, the city is 
well regarded as a responsive, user-friendly local government.
  In his one year of retirement, Bill fulfilled personal goals such as 
climbing Mount Shasta and sailing the entire coast of California. He 
also elevated his civic involvement by taking on increased leadership 
roles in regional affairs. This year, he chaired the Sacramento Area 
Council of Governments and was the energy behind its Blueprint Project 
to direct regional transportation and land use planning,
  Mr. Speaker, I wish to publicly thank you and the rest of our 
colleagues for appropriating funding this year to support this 
visionary project which will help the greater Sacramento region focus 
and direct its development according to community desires and 
principles of good planning.

  Despite his involved professional and civic life, Bill actively 
fulfilled his church and family responsibilities. He is survived by his 
lovely wife Sarah, daughters Yolanda and Kymbra, sons Jarom, Jashon, 
Corom, and four grandchildren.
  As an elected official, I appreciated Bill's hard work and 
professionalism. As his friend of over 20 years, I appreciated his 
sincerity and good nature. I join with his family, friends, colleagues, 
and constituents in celebrating his life and mourning his passing. We 
will surely miss him.
  Rest in peace, Bill.

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