[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 35 (Thursday, March 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E408]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             ON THE LOSS OF A GREAT AMERICAN, JEFF SCHROCK

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 18, 2004

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute a great American: Jeff 
Schrock.
  Jeff died last month after battling brain cancer. Sadly, he leaves 
behind a loving wife, Cass, and two doting children, Jenny and Max.
  I pay tribute to him as a fallen hero. Why? Because this was a man 
who represented the best of what America is--a loving husband, a good 
father, a solid citizen. Jeff Schrock and all the ``Jeff Schrocks'' of 
the world are what makes this a great country, are the kind of person 
that forms the intricate fabric that binds us as a Nation, are the 
unsung heroes who serve as the massive middle class that exemplifies 
the American nature at its best.
  I loved Jeff. He was as generous a soul as one could hope to meet. 
His love of the outdoors and business acumen came together in a well-
known business that he owned and which became a beach-front institution 
in Monterey: Monterey Bay Kayaks. At his kayak shop he patiently taught 
people to explore and enjoy the ocean, up close and personal. And for 
someone like me, he rarely giggled when I squeezed into a full-body wet 
suit and ringed my waist with a rubber spray skirt. I will miss my 
friend, the gentleman with such aplomb and discretion!
  It is sad to lose anyone so close. I want you to know how much I 
respected and admired Jeff and looked up to him. He was an American 
hero. He lived a life that bespoke the best of husbands and fathers 
everywhere. The dedication he showed to his family, the sense of 
community he exhibited in the way he ran his business, the daily 
comings-and-goings of Jeff Schrock, Everyman, is how we all ought to 
live our lives. Why? Because the end result is a life of integrity and 
honor, a life of quiet determination, and a life full of love. It is 
the hallmark of how the core principles of American life are manifested 
in our Nation. Jeff, in his way, knew this and reveled in it. He chose 
to be a leader for his family by showing compassion and generosity. He 
chose to be a leader by introducing his business associates to the 
wonders of economic profits through environmental preservation. He 
chose to be a leader by getting involved in community issues. He was a 
beacon for all of us, and those who follow his lead, will be part and 
parcel of a stronger America, as Jeff truly was.
  Mr. Speaker, I miss my friend Jeff Schrock. I lament the death of the 
fellow who helped me squeeze into a kayak and who opened, so for many 
of us, an amazing Window to the wonders of Monterey Bay and our world's 
oceans. I share the grief of his wife and children. But above all, I 
honor the role model he was and will be for those he left behind.

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