[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 87 (Friday, May 25, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1162-E1163]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          IN HONOR OF TOM FAT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN A. DAVIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 24, 2007

  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
life of Tom Fat, a dedicated civic leader in San Diego. Tom passed away 
on May 17, 2007 and is survived by his wife Jenny, daughter Monica, 
sisters Jean Ann Lai and Mable Moffatt of Sacramento, brothers Dr. 
Kenneth Fat and Jerry Fat of Sacramento, and two grandchildren.
  Tom was born in 1940 and grew up working in the family restaurant in 
Sacramento, California. The Fat City chain is anchored by Frank Fat's, 
which became a hangout for politicians and lobbyists in our State's 
capital. At an early age his father, Frank Fat, instilled in him and 
his siblings a strong work ethic and commitment to civic involvement.
  Tom graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with a 
degree in business, attained a law degree from Hastings School of Law 
and received his master's of law in taxation at New York University. He 
also served for 3 years as a captain in the U.S. Army.
  After practicing law in Los Angeles for a few years, Tom joined his 
family in Sacramento to help operate their successful restaurant 
business. In 1976 Tom visited San Diego to research business 
opportunities and moved there the following year to operate China Camp, 
which fused Chinese cuisine with Western style cooking, and Frank 
Fat's, which was renamed Fat City Steakhouse--still a popular place for 
local government leaders to come together.
  The success of Tom's restaurants assisted in the growth and 
development of downtown San Diego and the revival of the Little Italy 
community, which helped to link the area between San Diego 
International Airport and the city center.
  Not only was Tom's entrepreneurship inspiring to all those around 
him, but his civic leadership was truly commendable. As an avid 
community leader, Tom served as the Chairman of the San Diego 
Convention and Visitors Bureau, President of the San Diego Restaurant 
Association, Director of the San Diego Film Commission and as a member 
of the Little Italy Association.
  He worked in the Asian Pacific Islander community to mentor youth to 
encourage their participation in civic affairs and the political 
process. Tom developed strong relationships with political leaders of 
both parties and built

[[Page E1163]]

a reputation as a consensus builder on many local issues.
  Tom is best remembered for his humanitarian efforts and his 
enthusiasm as a tireless advocate for San Diego. His carefree nature 
and long white hair made him stand out in a crowd. Although he is gone 
now, Tom left an inspiring legacy for entrepreneurs, civic leaders, and 
youth in our community.
  I would like to express my deepest sympathy to Tom Fat's family and 
honor his life and contributions to the San Diego community. He was 
admired by so many people for so many reasons, and the impact he had on 
San Diego will stay alive in the many positive changes he helped to 
achieve and the memories of him which we will never forget. He will be 
greatly missed.
  Thank you very much, Madam Speaker, for the opportunity to honor such 
a remarkable individual.

                          ____________________