[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 100 (Tuesday, June 17, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1249-E1250]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE LIFE AND WORK OF MAYOR BOB BLANCHARD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 17, 2008

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise 
today to recognize the passing of a valued colleague, Santa Rosa Mayor 
Bob Blanchard. Mayor Blanchard died June 14, 2008, at the age of 70, 
leaving a hole in the heart of his community and his family. He will be 
long remembered for his good humor, enthusiasm, and commitment to the 
city he loved.
  Twenty-seven years ago, Bob and his family moved to Santa Rosa from 
southern California. He and his wife Angelyn raised their two children, 
daughter Cameron and son Matt, in the city, where they appreciated the 
quality of life it offers to families. It was his dedication to 
ensuring this quality for future generations that led Bob into public 
service.
  After serving a stint in the Army, Bob had worked as a deputy sheriff 
in Riverside County as well as teaching at Riverside Community College. 
In 1978, he earned a doctorate in government, and his career shifted 
toward administration and teaching in the field of criminal justice and 
political science. This direction led to his move to Santa Rosa to 
serve as the director of Santa Rosa Junior College, SRJC, Police and 
Fire Academy. He eventually became a dean and a political science 
instructor at SRJC where he enjoyed working with young people. Although 
he had retired as a member of the regular faculty, Bob had stayed 
involved as an adjunct instructor.
  Bob was also a founder of Tomorrow's Leader Today, a program that 
prepares high school juniors to be community leaders. He is remembered 
for his warmth and humor in inspiring the teenagers to be their best.
  In 1994, Bob was appointed to the Santa Rosa Planning Commission, 
serving until his election to the City Council in 2002. He was re-
elected in 2006 and then selected by his council colleagues to serve as 
mayor.
  Bob and I have not always agreed on issues, but his ability to work 
with all sides to address concerns facing the city of Santa Rosa made 
him a leader for all and a spokesman on important issues such as 
transportation, outreach to diverse communities, public safety, and 
boosting the city whenever and wherever he could. He always endeavored 
to forge an appropriate compromise with the same humor and good spirit 
that characterized all his relationships.
  ``Work'' is the operative word for Bob. Despite his off-and-on battle 
with cancer, he maintained a heavy work load, representing the 
community to the best of his ability and never losing his enthusiasm. 
During this time he traveled to Santa Rosa Sister Cities in Korea and 
Mexico and was instrumental in helping the city earn a designation as 
All America City.
  In addition to Angelyn, his wife of 41 years, and his two children, 
Bob is survived by two grandchildren.

[[Page E1250]]

  Madam Speaker, I know Bob's colleagues would agree that he respected 
all people on all sides of an issue and dedicated himself to finding 
solutions. Whether serving on regional commissions, presiding over 
council meetings, or representing the city at civic events and in the 
halls of Congress, Bob did it with the grace, intelligence, and 
compassion that will be his lasting legacy. I will miss working with 
him, and I will especially miss his friendship.

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