[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 68 (Friday, May 26, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E972]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN HONOR OF JOHN C. HALL, SEPTEMBER 15, 1953-FEBRUARY 25, 2006

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. XAVIER BECERRA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 25, 2006

  Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with profound sadness to pay 
tribute to Mr. John Hall, a dear friend, a devoted community leader and 
a passionate champion for America's working men and women, who passed 
away suddenly of heart failure on the evening of Saturday, February 25, 
2006. He was the loving son of Joann Hall and the devoted father of his 
only child, Katrina Susan Hall.
  Born September 15, 1953, in Los Angeles, John was a lifelong Angeleno 
devoted to his family, his trade and his community. He began his career 
as an apprentice plumber in 1980 with the United Association of 
Plumbers Local 78 in Los Angeles. John quickly mastered the skills of a 
journeyman plumber and became an active member of UA Plumbers Local 78. 
While working at his trade during the day, he donated his time as a 
plumbing instructor at night at the union's training center. John 
eventually worked his way up to Business Manager of Local 78 in 1995, a 
position from which he advocated for the preservation of pensions and 
health coverage for working people. John was also known for his civic 
participation, serving honorably on the Contractors State Licensing 
Board following his appointment by Governor Gray Davis.
  It was fitting with John's generous character and sense of 
responsibility that he volunteered much of his personal time to the 
charitable organization Big Brothers of Greater Los Angeles. He spent 
many years as a big brother to Sean Wall, imparting his wisdom and 
leadership skills onto the next generation.
  John was highly admired by the labor community and policy-makers 
alike for his efforts to improve the lives of working families, and for 
his warm personality and generous spirit. John was a selfless leader, 
who dedicated himself completely to his craft, his union and all those 
who looked to him for support and guidance.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with heartfelt sorrow, yet great admiration and 
appreciation, that I ask my colleagues to join me today in saluting 
John C. Hall. May his generosity and dedication to improving conditions 
for working families be remembered and carried on by those of us who 
were fortunate enough to call him ``friend.''

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