[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 117 (Tuesday, September 19, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1756]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     MEMORIAL TRIBUTE TO TOM VELOZ

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. HOWARD P. ``BUCK'' McKEON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 19, 2006

  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in sadness today to honor the memory 
of my friend, Thomas Michael Veloz. A caring and charitable man who was 
a monumental presence in Santa Clarita, CA, Tom passed away on 
September 13, 2006, at the age of 69.
  Born in New York in 1937, Tom moved to California with his family in 
the 1950's. He attended the University of Southern California and 
graduated with a degree in business finance and education in 1960. 
After graduating, Tom worked in his father's business, Aquafine 
Corporation. Eventually assuming the role of president, Tom made the 
company an international success and then began another thriving 
business, Ultra Violet Devices, Inc. He was well regarded by his peers 
who held him in high esteem for his leadership, honesty and integrity. 
Extremely astute and innovative, Tom helped define many of his 
industry's current manufacturing standards.
  Success in business afforded Tom the opportunity to be a generous 
philanthropist and he was honored several times for his efforts. Tom 
was a major benefactor to Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, College 
of the Canyons and many other local nonprofit organizations, including 
local chapters of the United Way, American Cancer Society and the 
American Diabetes Association. But helping kids became his passion and 
he was a driving force behind the Santa Clarita Valley Boys and Girls 
Club. Tom was also very instrumental in opening the Sheila R. Veloz 
Breast Imaging Center at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital in memory 
of his second wife, Sheila, and he actively participated on the 
center's board.
  With his contagious sense of fun and enthusiastic love of life, Tom 
had a genuine affection for others. He was a funny man with a constant 
smile and a twinkle in his eye, and he made many friends, some of whom 
became targets of his renowned practical jokes. Always the doting 
grandfather, Tom enjoyed semi-retirement because it gave him the 
opportunity to spend more time with his beloved grandchildren.
  Although Tom will be remembered as a visionary community leader who 
generously helped others, his lasting legacy rests in his family. He is 
survived by his wife, Janet, sons, David and Peter, his first wife, 
Roberta, brothers, Robert, and his identical twin, Frank, as well as 
stepdaughters, Sheryl Regan and Janine Jones, and 10 grandchildren. His 
second wife, Sheila, preceded him in death.
  Tom's life personifies Cicero's statement that the memory of a well-
spent life never dies. Tom Veloz made a positive and profound 
difference in the Santa Clarita Valley. He will be remembered as a kind 
man with a giving heart; one who always strived to make his world a 
better place.

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