[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 25, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E227]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO TASKER L. EDMISTON
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HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN
of california
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, February 25, 2004
Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker I rise today to pay tribute to Tasker L.
Edmiston who recently passed away, at the age of ninety-four. Mr.
Edmiston was a remarkable man whose accomplishments were legion and
whose passion was indefatigable. He was an avid outdoorsman and a very
important figure in California's conservation movement.
Mr. Edmiston was born on January 22, 1910, in Los Angeles,
California. His love for the environment and the outdoors began as a
young boy. He was a Sea Scout, an Explorer Scout and later he ran track
and set several records in speed-climbing.
During World War II, Mr. Edmiston demonstrated his creativity and
entrepreneurial spirit by inventing a new series of food canning
machinery. His invention increased the volume and quality of food that
was distributed to the Armed Forces in the Pacific.
In the 1960's and 1970's, Mr. Edmiston turned his attention to the
conservation movement. He was one of the cofounders and the first
treasurer of the Southern California Chapter of the Nature Conservancy.
He proved to be instrumental in the establishment of the Edmund C.
Jaeger Nature Sanctuary and the Desert Lily Sanctuary. He also served
on the Board of Directors of the Desert Protective Council and the
Federation of Western Outdoor Clubs.
Mr. Edmiston is survived by his son, Joseph T. Edmiston, his
daughter-in-law, Pepper Edmiston, and seven grandchildren.
I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Tasker L.
Edmiston and offering our heartfelt condolences to his family members.
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