[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 105 (Wednesday, September 8, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1557]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF HELEN K. COPLEY

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                          HON. DARRELL E. ISSA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 8, 2004

  Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to remember the life of 
Helen Copley. Mrs. Copley passed away August 25, 2004. Mrs. Copley had 
an amazing commitment to journalism and a distinguished record of 
service throughout her community and the Nation.
  In 1953, Helen Copley answered an ad for a secretary position at the 
Union-Tribune Publishing Company. She was hired as a secretary to the 
chief executive officer, James Copley. Twelve years later, Helen and 
James married. After her husband's death in 1973, many expected Helen 
to remain in the background, but she was determined to keep the 
business in family hands.
  Mrs. Copley published The San Diego Union-Tribune, the third-largest 
newspaper in California, for nearly 30 years. The Copley Press also 
owns nine daily newspapers and other publications. During Mrs. Copley's 
tenure as publisher, her newspapers won two Pulitzer Prizes.
  Helen Copley was also a model of personal involvement. She was a 
member of numerous local organizations, including the board of the 
Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation and was one of eight trustees 
appointed in 1984 to oversee the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. 
Locally, Mrs. Copley was instrumental in securing a home for the San 
Diego Symphony and underwriting the library at the University of San 
Diego. She also helped launch the San Diego Council on Literacy in 
1986.
  Mr. Speaker, Helen Copley will be missed by the people of San Diego 
and her service to the community will not be forgotten. I also want to 
express my condolences to the Copley family and let them know that my 
thoughts and prayers are with them.

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