[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 33 (Wednesday, February 25, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E414]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF MR. AND MRS. LARSON

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                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 25, 2009

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. 
John Philip Larson on the celebration of their 50th wedding 
anniversary. Phil and Joyce Larson were married 50 years ago on March 
21, 1959 in Kingsburg, California. They raised two children and have 
three grandchildren.
  Phil Larson was born on September 5, 1933 in San Francisco, 
California. His parents moved to the Central Valley where he was raised 
in the beautiful Fresno County countryside near the town of Kerman, 
California. Phil graduated a proud Kerman High School Lion in 1951. He 
joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1953 and was deployed to Korea on 
December 22, 1953. In 1956, he was honorably discharged from the U.S. 
Marine Corps and remained in the U.S.M.C. Reserves until 1961. After 
serving his country, Phil returned to the family farm. While continuing 
to farm with his father, he joined the Wilbur-Ellis Company in 1963, 
and after 38 years he retired in 2000. In 2001, Phil won the seat for 
District 1 Fresno County Board of Supervisors. Now serving his second 
term, he is a very influential leader for San Joaquin Valley 
agriculture. Phil is a true and exemplary public servant to his 
constituents and the Central Valley.
  Joyce Larson was born on May 16, 1935 in the ``Raisin Capital of the 
World,'' Selma, California. She grew up in the nearby town of Parlier. 
Joyce graduated a proud Selma Bear in June 1953. She attended 
California State University, Fresno and graduated in 1957 with a 
Bachelor's Degree in Home Economics. She taught Home Economics in 
Fresno at Roosevelt High School between the years of 1957 and 1962 and 
then taught another year at McLane High School. After raising her 
children she spent 13 years at Tranquility High School as a Special 
Education teacher. Joyce also received her Master's Degree in Special 
Education from Fresno Pacific University in 1994. She retired in 2000.
  Phil and Joyce met through their church, which has been a foundation 
for their love and family. Phil proposed to Joyce in August of 1958 and 
they were joined in marriage on March 21, 1959. They have lived and 
raised their children near Kerman, California for the past 50 years. 
They were instrumental in the founding of the Kerman Covenant Church in 
1970. The highlight of their marriage has been their two children, 
Timothy John and Lisa Renae, who have blessed them with three 
grandchildren, Lindsey Goodell, Tanner Torrano and Haylee Torrano.
  Nothing has been more important than their sense of family and 
putting God first in their marriage. The love and respect Phil and 
Joyce have shared has been a tremendous example to everyone who has 
known them. They are highly esteemed in the communities where they have 
lived and served, helping many in need.
  Congratulations again to Phil and Joyce Larson. Their story is 
reflective of the American Dream, working hard and playing by the rules 
to create better lives for themselves and their children. As a result, 
they have made their community, their church, and the Central Valley a 
better place to live for future generations.

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