[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 90 (Friday, June 25, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1257]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CONGRATULATING DICK AND JOANN LOSEE ON THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN T. DOOLITTLE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 24, 2004

  Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to congratulate two 
wonderful people and long-time family friends from the Honorable Chris 
Cannon's district in Utah, Dick and JoAnn Losee, as they celebrate 
their 50th anniversary on the Fourth of July.
  Dick was born on Christmas Day in 1932 in Los Angeles, California. At 
the age of ten Dick and his family returned to their original hometown 
of Salt Lake City, Utah. It was there where young Dick developed a 
passion for music that became a prominent part of his life, actively 
participating in school bands and parades, and, after graduating from 
Jordan High School, accepting a job at Daynes Music Company in Provo, 
Utah.
  In Provo, Dick became involved with a band that performed in dance 
halls and private parties, leading him to the love of his life, JoAnn. 
Searching for the best dance band around for her junior prom at Provo 
High School, JoAnn was introduced to Dick. The momentous meeting marked 
the beginning of beautiful things to come.
  Like many young men of his generation, Dick was drafted into the U.S. 
Army to fight in the Korean war. Before heading overseas, Dick obtained 
an overnight pass and married his sweetheart shortly after midnight on 
the Fourth of July, 1954, at Fort Ord, California.
  Instead of being sent to Korea, Dick was stationed in Germany, where 
JoAnn joined him in March, 1955. In Germany, Dick was assigned to the 
2nd Armored Tank division and assigned to be in charge of the Army 
Dance Band in Western Germany.
  In February, 1956, the happy couple returned to Provo, where Dick 
studied music and business at Brigham Young University, while JoAnn 
joined her mother in opening Bullock's Jewel Box that same year. On 
July 17, 1956, they were blessed with their first born, Richard. Six 
years later, on September 20, 1962, their beloved daughter Vanessa was 
born. Their children and grandchildren are a source of great pride and 
love for the couple.
  After a short time selling life insurance, Dick joined JoAnn and his 
mother-in-law in the jewelry business, starting Bullock and Losee 
Jewelers. After 30 successful years, the original business was sold in 
1985. However, Alard and Losee jewelers was later established in Provo, 
Alard being Vanessa's married name.
  Dick and JoAnn have incorporated service into every aspect of their 
lives. Their dedication to their community is truly outstanding, 
actively participating in the Provo/Orem Chamber of Commerce, Friends 
of the Freedom Festival, Scouting, the Miss Utah Pageant, Kiwanis Club, 
and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
  Additionally, the Losees are deeply committed to Utah Valley State 
College (UVSC), where JoAnn received the first UVSC President's 
Medallion, in honor of her highly commendable activity in community and 
civic affairs.
  Mr. Speaker, Dick and JoAnn's dedication to each other, their family 
and community is admirable and inspiring. On the eve of their 50th 
Anniversary, I wish them nothing but the best in the years to come.

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