[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 132 (Tuesday, December 5, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2097]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING DON HILLMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DEVIN NUNES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 5, 2006

  Mr. NUNES. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to the late Don 
Hillman of Tulare, California, who died Oct. 19, 2006 at the age of 86.
  Don was known as Mr. Tulare. His life exemplified the character 
traits of integrity, humility, public service and love of family and 
community. He represented the community he loved on the Tulare County 
Board of Supervisors for 20 years, twice serving as its chairman. From 
that position of trust, he helped shape a county that has become one of 
the most productive agricultural regions in the world.
  He was recently remembered by friends as the man every community 
needs and so few communities have. As a personal friend of Don's, I 
wholeheartedly agree with that statement.
  Don was part of the Greatest Generation, serving in the U.S. Navy 
during World War II, rising to the rank of lieutenant commander.
  Born May 17, 1920, in Glendale, Hillman's family moved to Tulare a 
few a months later. He graduated from Tulare Union High School in 1938. 
He was the student body president and, years later, he was on the 
organizing class reunion committee and the Tulare Community Auditorium 
Restoration Foundation.
  He is also credited with helping revitalize downtown Tulare, which 
remains a vibrant and welcoming business district to this day.
  He is survived by his wife, Laverne, his son, Dave, and two 
grandchildren. I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to this 
great American.

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