[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 12 (Wednesday, February 4, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E108]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     COMMEMORATING LOYD E. WILLIAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 4, 2004

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I, Ms. Lofgren, and Ms. Eshoo rise today to 
commemorate the life and many accomplishments of Mr. Loyd Williams, who 
passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2003. Mr. Williams will long be 
remembered for his integrity and dedication to the welfare of all 
people in his community, and for his advocacy and hard work on behalf 
of the members of the United Association (UA) of Plumbers, 
Steamfitters, and Refrigeration Fitters Local 393 and the entire labor 
movement.
  Loyd Williams was born in El Morro, NM on April 15, 1941. At the age 
of 2, he and his family moved to San Jose, CA, where he attended 
Cambrian Elementary School and then Camden High School. Mr. Williams 
had his first experiences with the labor movement and its concerns 
while in his early school years, working as a prune harvester and later 
becoming a harvest contractor. During which, Loyd fired his own brother 
for poor job performance. Consequently, he learned a valuable lifelong 
lesson when Loyd's father later advised him that his brother was not 
properly trained. Instilled with his father's wisdom and insight, Loyd 
became one of the most respected labor leaders by modeling and teaching 
what he expected of others. After graduating from high school in 1959, 
Mr. Williams became an apprentice plumber and was elected president of 
his apprenticeship class. In 1964, he became a journeyman plumber and 
was active for 8 years in UA Local 393. Loyd Williams was elected 
business agent in 1973 and served continuously until he became business 
manager in 1992.
   Loyd's 43-year dedication to UA Local 393 was not merely confined to 
his role as a business manager. He gladly took on many other 
responsibilities within the union and the community. Recently, Loyd 
Williams chaired the UA Local 393's Centennial Committee, organizing 
the Union's 100th Anniversary Celebration on January 24, 2004. He also 
chaired the Board of Trustees for the UA Local 393 Pension Fund, served 
as Secretary-Treasurer of the Western States Pipe Council, and acted as 
delegate to the Santa Clara/San Benito Trades Council, the South Bay 
Labor Council, the California State Pipe Trade Council, and the UA 
National Convention. Mr. William's coworkers fondly remember his 
outspokenness and willingness to fight for labor rights. Members of the 
community recall his many other contributions that included helping to 
establish the South Bay Children's Urgent Care Center and participating 
in the Christmas in April program.
  Loyd Williams was characterized by his fervent advocacy on behalf of 
laborers and his continuous belief in the inherent goodness of people. 
His own life not only had taught him the values of hard work and 
perseverance, but also the need for cooperation in order to achieve 
common goals. Mr. Williams will always be remembered as one of the most 
dedicated and successful business managers of the UA Local 393. His 
life constitutes a wonderful example for many young people today who 
wish to engage in the labor rights movement and who want to actively 
support their communities.
  Mr. Williams is survived by his wife, Carolyn, of 37 years and his 
son, Jonathan. Also, he is fondly remembered by his siblings Oren, 
Bill, and Linda Fanelli. The entire community of Santa Clara County 
gives thanks and commemorates the life and many accomplishments of Mr. 
Loyd Williams.
  Mr. Speaker, we extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Williams' 
family and friends. Please join us in honoring Mr. Loyd Williams, a 
truly exceptional individual who dedicated his life to the service of 
others.

                          ____________________