[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 16, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1060]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN MEMORY OF WILLIAM THOMAS BENNETT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 16, 2007

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Madam Speaker, I rise in memory of my friend, Bill 
Bennett, who died last week at 84 years young.
  I met Bill and his wife, Marty, when I decided to run for Congress 
more than 20 years ago. We shared a love of politics, a dedication to 
our communities and country, and a love and dedication to our families.
  Born in West Virginia, Bill Bennett came to California while serving 
in the U.S. Navy. Like many who venture to the Golden State, he fell in 
love and stayed. After being discharged from the Navy, Bill joined the 
Los Angeles City Fire Department. It would prove to be one of his long-
term commitments. He retired from the Department 31 years later as 
Assistant Chief, in 1980.
  Another of his long-term commitments was to Marty. They married in 
1951 and partnered in life for the next 56 years.
  In 1965, Bill and Marty moved with their children to Thousand Oaks, 
which I have represented for the better part of my congressional 
career. They became involved in their church, Emmanuel Presbyterian, 
and many other aspects of their community. Bill served on the board of 
the former Timber School District, Community Leaders Club, Republican 
Central Committee, Ventura County Grand Jury, Ventura County Planning 
Committee, Neighborhood Watch, and many other community organizations, 
for which he was duly recognized. He also became a supporter and friend 
to me.
  At the same time Bill was making his community a better place, he 
dedicated himself to being a loving father and husband. In addition to 
Marty, Bill leaves behind daughter, Sue and her husband, Kim Force; 
daughter, Nancy and her husband, Jim Berg; daughter, Bonnie; and son 
Tom and his wife, Jane. Bill and Marty also have seven grandchildren, 
Michael, Christopher, Joshua, Brian, Janelle, Jilee and Justine; and 
two great-grandchildren, Hannah and Emily.
  Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in remembering 
William Thomas Bennett as a good friend, a loving family man, and a 
lover of life, whose talents helped to make our community stronger. In 
addition, I know they join me in extending our condolences to Marty and 
their family and to all who called Bill a friend.
  Godspeed, Bill.

                          ____________________