[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 87 (Thursday, June 29, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1329]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 A TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF GEORGE McKEAN

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                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 29, 2006

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and pay tribute to 
the life of George McKean. Mr. McKean was devoted to his family and to 
his hometown, Riverdale, where he was a prominent figure in 
agriculture, business and civic life. He passed away on May 18, 2006.
  At a very young age, Mr. McKean became involved with their family's 
business, McKean's Grocery Store which they have owned for over 65 
years. Aside from working at the grocery store, he was constantly 
involved in his community and has helped obtain services that were 
needed such as water, sewer, waste disposal and fire protection.
  George played a significant role in his hometown's farming industry 
and its surrounding communities. He has had a longtime involvement in a 
farming operation in the Riverdale, Kings River and North Fork areas. 
Together with his brother, he owned and leased 970 acres of farmland of 
which one-third is in cotton and the rest with wheat, barley and 
alfalfa. He served as the Director of Ranchers Cotton Oil and 
spearheaded the formation of West Valley Cotton Growers Gin where he 
also served as President.
  In addition to farming, Mr. McKean dedicated his attention to the 
water industry in his community. He served as the Division IV Director 
for the Kings River Conservation District from 1972-1995. Mr. McKean's 
term in the KRCD comprises many accomplishments including the formation 
of the Mid-Valley Water Authority, which he has chaired since 1982. 
George has given a significant consideration to water as he recognizes 
the need for a supplemental water supply for deficit areas such as his 
community. Mr. McKean was a strong advocate for the alleviation of 
chronic groundwater overdraft conditions in his region. He was a past 
chairman of the Kings River Conservation District and was a member of 
the Fresno County Water Advisory Committee.
  Mr. McKean was an active proponent for water and farming but he has 
also served his country and his hometown of Riverdale in other 
significant ways. During World War II, he joined the U.S. Coast Guard 
where he served his country from 1942 to 1945. He served local 
organizations such as Rodeo Association, American Legion, Veterans of 
Foreign Wars, Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, Volunteer Fire 
Department, Public Utility District, and Elementary School Board of 
Trustees. For his outstanding efforts, the Riverdale Chamber of 
Commerce chose him as the Man of the Year in 1979. Furthermore, he 
served as the Director of Caruthers' Bank and as a Financial Chairman 
for Congressman Bernice Sisk.
  Mr. McKean was preceded in death by Myrtle, his wife of 65 years; and 
his brother Archie. He is survived by his brother, Charles; his 
daughter Carol Copley and her husband Ron; his son George D. McKean II 
and his wife Linda; his daughter Debbie Ella and her husband Craig; his 
son Mark McKean and his wife Megan. He is also survived by eight 
grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
  George McKean devoted his life to his country, community and family 
where his dedication and love was unwavering. His zeal and commitment 
to advance his community will be missed, as well as an inspiration for 
us all. His life and his accomplishments will always be remembered.

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