[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 45 (Thursday, March 15, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E558]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JOHN GAINES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JANE HARMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 15, 2007

  Ms. HARMAN. Madam Speaker, the community of EI Segundo, located in my 
congressional district, sustained a genuine loss this week. John 
Gaines, a former member of the EI Segundo City Council, highly 
influential community leader, and my dear friend, succumbed on Monday 
night following an inspirational battle against a rare form of cancer.
  John was a terrific guy. Even as he struggled with his illness, John 
never lost heart, and continued to be a rock for his family and 
friends. When I last saw him only a few months ago, he told me his 
doctors had advised that he move up the date of his daughter's December 
wedding. In typical John Gaines fashion, he not only ignored their 
advice, he walked his daughter down the aisle.
  He even joked with me that, having lost 100 pounds, he had become an 
adult sex symbol in his form-fitting blue jeans. This kind of levity in 
a time of extreme pain and uncertainty is a powerful testament to who 
John Gaines was: strong, compassionate, and charismatic.
  Though it ended too soon, John led a full and accomplished life. A 
long-serving Naval Officer and Aviator, he attained the rank of 
Lieutenant Commander by the time he left military service in 1979.
  Following his naval service, John returned to Southern California to 
start a distinguished career in the South Bay's booming aerospace 
industry. He quickly became an industry leader and worked at senior 
levels for some of the region's leading firms.
  Ironically, it took the prodding of his son to get John into 
politics. But once elected, he was a natural and I believe John will be 
remembered most for his unwavering dedication to public service.
  As a member of the EI Segundo City Council, he made emergency 
preparedness, homeland security and community development priorities. 
During his tenure, John was instrumental in securing funds to better 
prepare El Segundo for any possible man-made or natural disasters. He 
also oversaw projects that helped to revitalize the city's downtown.
  Over the years, John had a profound influence on so many people and 
literally helped change the face of his community. He and Assemblyman 
Mike Gordon, our mutual friend who died at age 47 of a brain tumor in 
2005, are now local legend. John's wife, Susan, told me she is certain 
they are reunited.
  My heart goes out to his wife Susan and their three children, 
Rebecca, Robert and Benjamin. Susan says the two boys are so much like 
their father. How fortunate!




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