[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 33 (Wednesday, February 25, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E400-E401]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO HANS SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 25, 2009

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of 
Hans Smith of Fresno, California who passed away at the age of 66 years 
old. Hans is survived by his wife Janet and his sons Chris and Esben 
along with their families.
  Hans was born on February 16, 1942 in Sacramento, California to Frank 
and Josephine Smith. Hans grew up in Sacramento and attended local 
schools graduating from Sacramento High School in 1959. He next 
graduated from Fresno State University with a degree in Industrial 
Technology. Upon graduating he went to work for IBM in San Jose, 
California. While at Fresno State he met his future wife, Janet. 
Following Janet's graduation, they married and made their home in Los 
Gatos, California. While living in Los Gatos, Hans and Janet had their 
two sons, Chris and Esben. Wanting to raise their children in a less 
stressful environment, Hans and Janet moved to Raisin City, California 
in 1975. Hans became a farmer when he and Janet bought 40 acres of 
prunes.
  Hans worked for his father-in-law, who was also a farmer, while 
getting his own farm started. Hans' farm was truly a family farm. Hans 
and his wife and sons could often be found working together in the 
orchard. Hans joined Sunsweet Growers in 1975. He remained a loyal 
Sunsweet grower for the next 33 years. Hans planted another 80 acres of 
prunes in 1980. When the new orchard came into production, Hans was 
able to stop working for his father-in-law. The farm was still a family 
affair with Hans and his sons taking care of most of the work.
  Hans was elected to the Board of Directors of Sunsweet Growers in 
1985. He served on the board for the next 23 years, until his death. 
Hans was a tireless promoter for the prune industry and Sunsweet in 
particular. He was always available to any grower who had questions 
about prunes. He gave help and advice to many growers when they entered 
into

[[Page E401]]

the prune industry. Beginning in 1998, Hans diversified into the raisin 
and almond industries. He farmed 180 acres at the time of his death.
  It goes without saying that Mr. Hans Smith was an honorable man with 
a commitment to family, friends and Sunsweet that will forever live in 
the lives of the people he so graciously touched. I am honored and 
humbled to join his family in celebrating the life of this amazing man 
who will never be forgotten.

                          ____________________