[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1535-E1536]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              A TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF RICHARD GARABEDIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 23, 2008

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to the 
life of an industrious and generous man in the agricultural community 
of California, Richard Garabedian of Fowler, California. Richard 
recently passed away after a valiant battle with cancer at the age of 
76 years old. He leaves behind his loving wife of 45 years Eleanor, 
three children and several grandchildren.
  Mr. Garabedian was born on June 13, 1932 at his family's 24 by 24 
farmhouse in Fowler, California. His parents, having escaped Ottoman 
Turkey in 1912, immigrated to the U.S. where they first settled in 
Massachusetts. The family moved to Wisconsin where they soon realized 
the snow didn't suit them well. The warm climate of the Central Valley 
of California beckoned them and they settled in Fowler, California. 
Richard attended Del Rey Grammar School and graduated from Selma High 
School. After graduating from high school Richard attended Fresno State 
College. During the Korean War, Richard served with the U.S. Army for 
two years.
  Richard's strong work ethic and his ability to foster action put him 
at center stage within the California raisin industry. Richard was well 
known for his strident advocacy on behalf of the raisin industry and 
raisin growers in particular. He served as chairman of the Raisin 
Administrative Committee and on the Raisin Bargaining Association Board 
for 26 years. Through his travels on behalf of the raisin industry, 
Richard was able to accumulate a broader grasp of the complexities of 
culture and economics as they relate to the raisin industry both 
locally and nationally, and abroad. Though Richard's efforts were not 
always in line with the thinking of others in the industry, all 
acknowledge that Richard's ardent efforts stemmed from his deep desire 
that all raisin growers receive the best monetary return due them for 
their earnest efforts. His tireless efforts on behalf of raisin growers 
continued until the day he passed away.

[[Page E1536]]

  It goes without saying that Mr. Garabedian's dedicated involvement in 
the raisin industry gained him a respected reputation and enormous 
appreciation from the Central Valley raisin farmers. Richard worked 
hard and seemed to expect nothing in return. This same generous spirit 
was evident in Richard's love for his family. I am honored and humbled 
to join his family today in celebrating the life of this amazing man. 
His presence will be dearly missed in our community for many years to 
come.

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