[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 28 (Thursday, March 10, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E407]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         IN MEMORY OF WING FAT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 10, 2005

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a personal 
friend and close confidante of mine and many of my colleagues. Sadly, 
on Friday, February 25, 2005 Wing Fat passed away in Sacramento, where 
he made his home for over half a century.
  Wing Fat was born in Canton, China in 1925. He joined his father in 
America when he was ten years old. In his youth, Mr. Fat attended 
California State University of Sacramento and served in the United 
States Air Force.
  In 1939, Mr. Fat's father, Frank Fat, opened up his restaurant at 806 
L St. in Sacramento. Mr. Fat worked his way up from dishwasher and 
floor scrubber eventually taking over as restaurant owner and main 
host, when his father passed away in 1997.
  Mr. Fat will be remembered as one of the most well-liked and well-
respected members of the Sacramento community. Over the years, the Fat 
family garnered a large following among Sacramento politicians for 
their impeccable hospitality and strict discretion. For decades, 
national and state leaders from both political parties pursued good 
public policy and practiced the art of politics, all while enjoying the 
wonderful establishment that Wing and his family made famous throughout 
California. As such, the family restaurant became a nexus of power as 
witness to many high-powered negotiations. In his own way, Wing Fat 
made a difference in improving the lives of Californians, and on a 
personal note, I counted Wing among my dear friends.
  However, Mr. Fat's legacy will also thrive by his involvement in 
various civic and cultural organizations. In particular, a $1 million 
donation to the Sacramento Asian Sports Foundation from Mr. Fat and his 
wife, Chee, last November made possible the start of construction of 
the Laguna West complex, scheduled to begin this month. This summer, a 
group of young basketball players will travel to Japan as part of the 
Foundation's cultural exchange program--a testament to the power and 
commitment of civic leaders, like Mr. Fat.
  My prayers and condolences are with the entire Fat family, who will 
continue to be a source of inspiration and leadership in the Sacramento 
community. My fellow colleagues please join me in honoring the memory 
of Mr. Wing Fat, a true friend to generations of California 
politicians.

                          ____________________