[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 122 (Friday, October 1, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1765]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         IN HONOR OF GEORGE OW

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 30, 2004

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Farr and I rise today to honor the life 
of George Ow, a local businessman and philanthropist, who passed away 
July 26, 2004 at the age of 85. He was a beloved member of the Scoffs 
Valley community and well known throughout Santa Cruz County for his 
generous nature. He is survived by seven children and 14 grandchildren.
  George Ow emigrated from China to the United States in 1937, arriving 
in Santa Cruz to begin his quest for the American Dream. He eventually 
emerged as one of our region's most prominent businessmen and 
philanthropists and his life story now stands as an outstanding model 
of achievement for all.
  Before becoming successful, George Ow had a long uphill climb that 
proved his perseverance and determination. He first worked in his 
uncle's grocery store while attending and eventually graduating from 
Santa Cruz High School. From 1944 to 1945 George Ow served in the 
United States Army and participated in the Allied Liberation of the 
Philippines. After his service in the military he returned to the 
Central Coast, building the foundations for his successful business 
ventures. Investing in commercial real estate, George Ow single-
handedly created the business corridor along Capitola's 41st Avenue and 
Scotts Valley's King's Village Shopping Center.
  Throughout his rise to fortune and success, George Ow never forgot 
the community that nurtured him in his earlier days as a young 
immigrant. For more than three decades, he was active in the National 
Exchange Club, a national organization dedicated to community service 
and youth outreach. In the 1970s he was elected as President of the 
Club, the first time this post was filled by a non-white individual. He 
also created dozens of youth scholarships for minority students and 
donated money to local arts groups, such as Shakespeare Santa Cruz, and 
a variety of other health foundations. George Ow returned large 
portions of wealth back to his community, a gift that strengthens our 
community and our country.
  Mr. Speaker, we ask our colleagues to join us in extending our 
condolences to George Ow's family and friends. As a dedicated member of 
the Santa Cruz and Scotts Valley community, his achievements in life 
represent the epitome of the American Dream. He will be missed greatly 
by the community he loved, served, and gave so much to.

                          ____________________