[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 16 (Wednesday, February 3, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN MEMORY OF RICHARD CLAREY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 3, 2010

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, I rise with sadness today to honor 
Richard Clarey of Petaluma, California, who passed away January 19, 
2010 at the age of 78. Rich was very involved with his family, his 
work, his union, and his community, especially its children.
  Born and raised in rural Iowa, Rich enlisted during the Korean 
Conflict and was stationed with the U.S. Army at Ft. Hood, Texas. After 
moving to California, he began training as an electrician in 1957. 
Twenty years later he was elected business manager of the International 
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 551 where he fought to improve 
the lives of working families, advocating for fair treatment, good 
wages, retirement benefits, and health care. Upon his retirement in 
1996, IBEW Local 551 had over 600 members in six counties.
  Rich was involved with his church and other civic organizations, 
including serving a stint on the Cotati school board to ensure that the 
local kids would get the best possible education. But he is probably 
best known to a generation as a Little League coach. For 25 years he 
made sure his young charges played their best and had a good time doing 
it. He also coached CYO basketball and cheered his own children and 
grandchildren at various sporting events.
  Rich had a wide circle of friends who appreciated his friendly 
manner, strong character, and Irish story telling. In recent years, he 
took pleasure in the spirited discussions at Friday morning coffee 
socials. He particularly enjoyed spending time with his large family 
and working on his 10-acre farm in Petaluma where he used both his 
skills as a craftsman and his background as an Iowa farmer.
  Rich's first wife Shirley predeceased him in 1987. He is survived by 
his wife Jean, sons Mitch, Mark, and David; daughters Cyndi, Sue, 
Bobbi, and Edie; 21 grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.
  Madam Speaker, Richard Clarey exemplified what is best in our local 
communities. He truly cared about people and pitched in where he could 
to make their lives better. He touched his family, his colleagues, and 
his many friends. I will miss him, and I am proud to have known him.

                          ____________________