[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 37 (Tuesday, April 5, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E525]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING WILLIAM ``BILL'' BELL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 5, 2005

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor posthumously William 
``Bill'' Bell of Madera, CA. Exuding a strong entrepreneurial spirit, 
Mr. Bell worked to enhance the way of life for many in his community. 
Mr. Bell's life will be celebrated in a special edition of his former 
newspaper, The Ranchos Independent.
  In the late 1880's, Mr. Bell's family migrated from Kansas to 
California in search of new opportunities. After settling in Madera, 
CA, Bill's parents relocated the family to Southern California where he 
attended elementary and high school.
  As a young adult, Bill capitalized on the post-WWII housing boom by 
opening an upholstery business to serve Southern California's growing 
furniture industry. Later, Bill went to work for an independent 
insurance agency where he taught insurance classes to agents for 
Century 21. In the early 1980's, Bill returned to Madera to work in the 
real estate industry where he gained great success and eventually 
opened his own Century 21 franchise.
  Mr. Bell was involved in various organizations. He was a proud member 
of the Ontario Motor Speedway and Riverside Speedway Booster Clubs. In 
addition, he was a charter member of the Madera Ranchos Kiwanis Club 
and helped to organize the widely-popular Flatlander's Day Parade. Bill 
was a charter member of the Golden Valley Chamber of Commerce and is 
the former Owner, Editor, and Publisher of The Ranchos Independent, a 
newspaper dedicated to serving the Madera Ranchos community.
  Bill is survived by his wife Pat, and their two children James and 
Jerri.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor posthumously Mr. William Bell for his 
service and dedication to his community. I urge my colleagues to join 
me in remembering and celebrating the life of William ``Bill'' Bell.

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