[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2144-E2145]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  A TRIBUTE TO MR. CRUZ BUSTAMANTE JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 6, 2006

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today and join my colleagues Mr. 
Cardoza, Mr. Radanovich and Mr. Nunes in honoring and remembering the 
life of Mr. Cruz Bustamante Jr., who passed away on Friday, December 1, 
2006. Mr. Bustamante was a respected member of his community and his 
memory will forever be cherished.
  Mr. Bustamante, was born on November 2, 1933 in Loving, New Mexico. 
In his youth, he and his family left New Mexico and made California's 
San Joaquin Valley their new home. Cruz graduated from Dinuba High 
School and

[[Page E2145]]

Mohler Barber College. He successfully pursued careers as a barber and 
later as the Administrator for the Greater California Employment 
Program and United Health Centers.
  Like his son, Cruz, who served two-terms as the California's 
Lieutenant Governor and as a Member of the State Assembly representing 
the San Joaquin Valley, Mr. Bustamante also had an appetite for public 
service and never shied away from the opportunity to influence change 
in his community. Following that passion, he served the City of San 
Joaquin both as a member and Mayor Pro Tem. In addition, many civic, 
educational and community boards and committees were the beneficiaries 
of Mr. Bustamante's interest in his community's welfare.
  Mr. Cruz Bustamante Jr. is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, 
Dominga and their children: Cruz M., Belinda, Dorothy, Ron, Andrew and 
Naomi. Also surviving him are nine siblings, ten grandchildren and 
three great-grandchildren.
  Although his passing leaves a community in mourning, his devotion to 
his family, loyalty to friends, and commitment to helping others will 
never be forgotten. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to 
his family and friends, and reassure them that his memory will live on 
through the lives he so graciously touched.

                          ____________________