[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 132 (Tuesday, October 18, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2106]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF J. ROBERT CHAPMAN FOR HIS OUTSTANDING PUBLIC 
                                SERVICE

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 18, 2005

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my 
sadness at the recent passing of James Robert Chapman, city councilman 
and ``Mayor Emeritus'' of the City of Winters, California.
  Born into a pioneering family, Bob Chapman was a lifelong resident of 
Winters. He served on the Winters City Council from 1980 to 1996, 
fourteen of those years as mayor. He more recently served as a City 
Council member since 2002. Prior to City Council, he served on the 
Winters Planning Commission for 6 years. During his tenures on the 
council, Mr. Chapman guided the city through numerous endeavors, 
including construction of the Winters Community Center, the 1992 
General Plan and efforts to keep the city fiscally viable during 
economically daunting times.
  During his recent tenure on the council, Mr. Chapman played a key 
role in the economic revitalization of the downtown and in numerous 
capital projects, including the rehabilitation of the historic trestle 
bridge and Putah Creek car bridge, construction of the amphitheater, 
traffic improvements and a downtown parking lot. He represented the 
city and Yolo County on regional boards including the Sacramento Area 
Council of Governments, Yolo County Local Agency Formation Commission 
and numerous boards and commissions.
  In addition to his role with the City of Winters, Mr. Chapman served 
30 years in the California National Guard, retiring at the rank of 
colonel in 1996. He was a member of two service clubs, the Lions Club 
and Rotary International, serving as Rotary Chapter President in 2004. 
In 2002, he was named Winters Citizen of the Year for his many 
contributions to the community. Chapman was an avid golfer and was 
employed as director of logistics for Con-Agra, formerly Hunt-Wesson.
  Mr. Speaker, the passing of Bob Chapman is a huge loss to the Winters 
community. His leadership, humor and mentoring style will be greatly 
missed by his wife, Nicki, his daughter, Shelly, his mother, Dorothy, 
and all those whose lives he touched. It is appropriate therefore that 
we honor his life and contributions today.




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