[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 12 (Tuesday, February 8, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E175-E176]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO DON DeMERS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 8, 2005

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, it is with heavy heart that I rise to pay 
tribute to Don DeMers.

[[Page E176]]

Don passed away Tuesday, February 1st after a long and courageous 
battle against cancer. I wish to recognize his accomplishments for the 
residents of Fresno County, as well as commend him on a life well 
lived.
  In 1986, Don and I worked together to pass ``Measure C'' before the 
Fresno County voters. This groundbreaking legislation established 
Fresno County as one of the Nation's first ``self-help'' communities. 
The money collected through this measure allowed Fresno residents to 
build their own roads when our State Government could not. Through his 
expertise and management, Don invested the measure's proceeds to 
finance many severely needed rural and urban roads in Fresno County. As 
a result, residents and visitors to Fresno County today enjoy Route 41, 
SR 168 and SR 180, among others. These roads are vital to Fresno 
County's continued growth and expansion. Don's 18 years of service as 
Executive Director of Fresno County Transportation Authority realized 
the success we knew Measure C would bring to Fresno, and I do not 
believe that the height of this success could have been realized 
without him.
  Don possessed a great spirit, sense of humor, and a keen intellect. 
Knowing him, it was hard not to like him. He made me laugh, and the 
breadth of his interests was compelling.
  Of course, Don cannot claim sole responsibility for his 
accomplishments. The love and support of his beautiful and devoted 
wife, Deborah, enhanced and permitted his successes. Don is also 
survived by his two sons, three daughters, and eight (soon to be nine) 
grandchildren. Don was deeply devoted to his family, and this devotion 
was returned in kind.
  Mr. Speaker, I am blessed to have known Don DeMers, and I will 
remember him. Don, you will be greatly missed.

                          ____________________