[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 77 (Friday, June 4, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1047]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN MEMORY OF ALAN BRENNER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 3, 2004

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Alan Brenner who passed 
away May 16th 2004 after a prolonged battle with cancer. He has been an 
active member of our community and will be missed by all who knew him. 
He is survived by his wife, Jeannie, son, Michael, stepchildren Alex, 
Scott, and Diane Wilsdon, and ten grandchildren.
  Born and raised in Palo Alto, California, Alan was no stranger to the 
nearby Monterey Bay, as he completed his basic training at the former 
Fort Ord. After serving for two years in the United States Army, Alan 
began his lifelong career in the hospitality industry. He returned to 
the Monterey Peninsula in 1971 to become the General Manager of the La 
Playa Hotel in Carmel. In 1978 he began managing the new Monterey 
Conference Center, where his accomplishments led his colleagues to name 
him ``World's Best Convention Services Manager'' in 1979.
  Alan's famous generosity led to his involvement in several local 
organizations such as the Pacific Repertory Theater, Forest Theater 
Guild in Carmel, the Carmel Rotary Club, Pacheco Club, and All Saints 
Episcopal Church. He often took on leadership roles, and was an active 
supporter of local artists and musicians. The Carmel Bach Festival 
board benefited from his eleven years of service, and he put in 
countless volunteer hours helping to renovate the Sunset Theater while 
on, the Building Committee for the Sunset Theater Project.
  Even with his busy schedule at home, Alan never missed a chance to 
travel with his wife, Jeannie. They visited such diverse places as 
Bhutan, Niger, and India, always eager to meet new people. Alan and 
Jeannie made first contact with the Kumbi people in Irian Jaya, and 
during a trip last fall to China met the Miao people. Alan's travels 
and interactions with other cultures truly made him feel connected to 
the global community in a way that few people have the chance to 
experience.
  Mr. Speaker, I applaud Alan's many accomplishments, and I commend him 
for his lifelong dedication to his community and friends. He was a 
remarkable figure, and his memory will live on in the many people whose 
lives he has touched. I join the Monterey Bay community, and friends 
and family in honoring this truly admirable man and friend for all of 
his lifelong achievements.

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