[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 124 (Thursday, September 29, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1996]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        A TRIBUTE TO ROBERT WASH

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 29, 2005

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Robert M. 
Wash of Fresno, California. He is survived by his two sons John and 
Thomas, and daughter Lynn.
  Robert Wash was a respected member of our community and his memory 
will be forever cherished. He was born to Henry and Effie Wash on May 
27, 1908 and grew up in Fresno County. His family instilled in him the 
qualities of character with which he touched so many lives.
  Upon graduation from Caruthers High School, Mr. Wash attended the 
University of California, Berkeley; where he graduated with a degree in 
Economics. Ever the dedicated student he continued his education at 
Boalt Hall and passed the California State Bar Exam. He pursued his 
passion for law by becoming a prosecuting attorney in the District 
Attorney's office for several years. In 1950, he was appointed Fresno 
County's first County Counsel. He retired from the position in 1978, 
after serving as County Counsel for 28 years. In 2001, Robert Wash 
received the highly prestigious Bernie E. Witkins Lifetime Achievement 
award from the Fresno County Bar Association.
  Mr. Wash was not only a dedicated employee he was also an active 
community participant. He was a member of the Fresno Rotary Club, 
Fowler Friday Evening Club, Garden of the Sun Corral of the Westerners 
International and the San Joaquin Civil War Roundtable.
  Robert Wash had a passion for history that he expressed through his 
amazing writing. His vast knowledge of the area's history and his love 
of the subject was projected through his writings. Many of the 
historical markers in Fresno County are inscribed with his words. He 
was the President of the Fresno County Historical Society and played 
the role of Confederate President Jefferson Davis at the Civil War 
Reenactment ceremonies on several occasions.
  Aside from being an accomplished writer and making incredible 
professional achievements, Robert Wash was a beloved family man. He is 
described as being a good man who took care of his family.
  Robert Wash was his Family's hero and will continue to be appreciated 
by his community.

                          ____________________