[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 59 (Monday, April 26, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E646]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             A TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF ROBERT WESTON FOLLETT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 26, 2010

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of 
Robert ``Bob'' Weston Follett. On March 31, 2010, Robert Weston 
Follett, an accomplished pilot and active leader in the San Joaquin 
Valley community, passed away suddenly at the young age of 57. He 
leaves behind the loves of his life, is wife Naomi, daughter Lindsay 
and son Zack.
  Bob Follett was a proud native of Lemoore, California. He was a 1970 
graduate of Lemoore High School where he was twice elected class 
president and played football for the Lemoore Tigers. As fullback on 
the freshman team, he had the distinction of scoring the first 
touchdown in Tiger Stadium when it opened. Mr. Follett went on to 
receive his Bachelor's Degree from California State University, Fresno 
and soon thereafter began his aviation career with Wofford Aviation in 
Fresno by fueling aircraft, becoming a charter pilot, managing the 
company and later proudly becoming the owner of Wofford Aviation.
  As a charter pilot Bob had the privilege of flying former President 
Ronald Reagan, U.S. Senator John McCain, and many other elected 
officials and celebrities. Furthermore, he was renowned as an expert 
pilot with 37 years experience, who helped explain how air tragedies 
occurred. Recently, Bob commented for the national news about the 
potential dangers of flying in California's Sierra Nevada Mountain 
Range.
  Throughout the community, Bob was well-known as ``Mr. Fixit'' as a 
result of his keen ability to build anything with his own two hands. 
Larger than life, he was a take-charge guy who loved to organize 
events. He could be found planting a community garden, at a Cal 
Tailgate party, a Rotary lobster feed or with the Clovis High football 
team at their team dinners. Bob Follett and his family were loyal 
members of the Cal football family during the time his son Zack played 
for the Cal Bears.
  As a loving father and supportive husband, Bob and his cherished wife 
Naomi were always seen at sporting events supporting and cheering on 
their children Lindsay and Zack. He was a true pillar of support for 
their children and a faithful mentor to their friends as well.
  Bob's loss leaves a void which can never be filled. Bob Follett will 
forever be remembered for his generosity and gregarious spirit that 
impacted the lives of all those whom he met. His enormous heart and 
lifelong commitment to his family and friends will forever be his 
legacy. I count myself fortunate to be one of Bob's many friends.

                          ____________________