[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 111 (Thursday, July 12, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1496]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF G. GARY LETSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 11, 2007

  Mr. HONDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of G. Gary 
Letson, who recently passed away in his Los Altos home on July 4, 2007. 
Gary dedicated his life to education and believed strongly in the power 
of teaching. His commitment to enriching science and math programs in 
our local schools has greatly raised the standard of education and 
inspired numerous students in our community.
  G. Gary Letson was born on December 27, 1936 in San Diego, California 
to Neil Elizabeth Buck and Allen George Letson. He attended Hoover High 
School and then San Diego State University where he was a member of the 
Sigma Pi organization. As soon as he graduated, Gary began his teaching 
career and continued to serve his students and his community for the 
rest of his life.
  Gary first taught high school science in the Grossmont School 
District in the San Diego area. He subsequently was named a Fulbright 
Scholar from 1964 to 1965 and traveled to Taegu University in South 
Korea, where he instructed biology teachers on more effective teaching 
methods. In 1967, he returned to the United States and settled in Santa 
Clara County, where he taught in numerous high schools over the next 
three decades.
  During his 30 year tenure at the Fremont Union High School District, 
Gary taught mathematics and science at Sunnyvale High School, where he 
mentored me through my first formative teaching experience. Gary 
provided me with the firm foundation not only to teach the subject 
math, but to teach the whole child. That meant challenging the school 
administration on many occasions. I know today while we deal with 
policy his counsel still echoes in my mind saying, ``Remember the whole 
child.''
  Gary went on to teach at Fremont High School and Monta Vista High 
School. His passion for his science and math was contagious as he 
motivated countless students with his innovative teaching methods and 
enthusiastic pedagogy. Gary treated all his students with the utmost 
respect and believed strongly in the potential of every young person 
who walked into his classroom. His sincere concern for his students was 
apparent in their interactions as he strived not just to teach the 
material but also to stimulate his students and to create a genuine 
interest in the subject matter he covered.
  After retirement in 1996, Gary remained active in the Los Altos 
School District as a science aide at Almond Elementary School, a tutor 
at Mountain View High School and as a substitute teacher in the 
Mountain View and Los Altos High School Districts. Throughout his 
career, Gary was a strong proponent of outdoor science education 
programs and worked hard to introduce innovative curriculum to local 
high schools. His love for ecology and hands on learning reflected his 
focus on conservation and environmental awareness, a consciousness that 
he passed on to his students.
  Besides his extensive work in the local school districts, Gary also 
faithfully served the community at large since the late 1960s through 
the Saint Thomas Episcopal Church in Sunnyvale. He played a major role 
in the Our Daily Bread program and also volunteered as a Vestry member 
and a Senior Warden. He actively assisted the Bible study and outreach 
programs and was a leader in overseeing church renovations. Gary 
diligently strove to become an ``international Christian'', ensuring 
that his every action was consistent with his beliefs. Furthermore, he 
was active in local community services including the League of Women 
Voters. After his retirement, he regularly volunteered as a poll worker 
in elections.
  G. Gary Letson passed away on July 4, 2007 at the age of 70. He is 
survived by his loving wife of 39 years Jan Letson, his son and 
daughter-in-law Brian and Amy Letson, and his daughter Mary Letson. 
Gary left a legacy of excellence in teaching and touched the lives of 
numerous youth. Throughout his life, he believed strongly in the 
capacity of youth to make a positive impact on the community and thus 
devoted his life to guiding future generations on the path to success. 
We are forever grateful for his commitment to education in the math and 
science departments, and his contributions will continue to benefit our 
community long into the future.

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