[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 77 (Thursday, May 20, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E895]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN HONOR OF EDNA MERLE WILKINSON

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 2010

  Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, on Wednesday my friends Patti and John 
Garamendi experienced the loss of Patti's mother, Edna Merle Wilkinson, 
who passed away at the age of 92.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Edna's rich life, which 
brought so much happiness to so many people.
  Edna lived for many years in my district, graduating from high school 
in Watsonville. She married John Wilkinson, owner of Granite 
Construction Company, and helped build that small local company into 
one of the largest construction firms in the Nation.
  Edna offers us many lessons on life, how to live happily and have a 
positive effect on others. I request that the following tribute to this 
great woman be included in the Congressional Record.

       Edna Merle Wilkinson passed away peacefully on May 19th, 
     2010, after nearly 92 long years of life. Merle was born May 
     26, 1918 in Marlow, Oklahoma to Mary Alma Wright Twyman and 
     Harvey Hinton Twyman.
       Merle was the 5th of their seven children. Her siblings 
     included brothers Louie and Col. Richard Twyman, and sisters 
     Miriam Lister, Evelyn Halward, Erline Flores, and Alice 
     Flournoy.
       Merle lived and attended schools in Watsonville and 
     Alturas, California where her accomplishments and actions are 
     evidence of her compassionate and driven nature. In 1936 she 
     graduated from Watsonville High School where she was awarded 
     the American Legion Award for leadership, courage and 
     academic excellence. She also was elected Student Body 
     Secretary, served as the captain of the field hockey team and 
     competed in ice skating events. After her graduation, Merle 
     attended Business College and was a legal assistant to the 
     Superior Court Judge in Salinas, CA.
       Merle found her partner for life at a young age--on June 
     16, 1940 she married John ``Jack'' E. Wilkinson, the son of 
     Walter J. Wilikinson, the founder of Granite Construction 
     Company. Together they built the highway and road 
     construction firm into what is today one of the half dozen 
     largest in the country.
       Merle and Jack were blessed with three daughters. Susan, 
     Patti and Nancy were all born in Watsonville and attended the 
     same high school their great grandmother Carrie Earle 
     Wilkinson had graduated from in 1894.
       Merle, a bright loving mother and wife, was also known for 
     her community involvement. She was active in the Eastern Star 
     and the Johnny Appleseed Auxiliary where she hosted 
     fundraisers for local charities. Her deep involvement with 
     the activities of her children blended with her community 
     spirit and she often spent hours cooking for major events and 
     volunteering in the schools.
       From the kitchen to the football field and great outdoors, 
     Merle was also an avid sports fan and athlete. She enjoyed 
     fishing, camping, hiking and could often be found in the 
     rooting section of Cal Berkeley football games when her son-
     in-law John Garamendi was playing.
       After her husband passed away in October of 1969, Merle 
     moved to Stockton to be closer to her daughters. Always one 
     for adventure and challenges, she spent the next several 
     years travelling the world. With a fearless spirit she rode 
     horseback at the Treetops Lodge at Richard Holden's in Kenya, 
     rode camels in Egypt and even elephants in India, keeping 
     wonderful postcard journals for her grandchildren. She 
     visited over 60 countries and was a true pioneer.
       Merle's energy and heart of service has never wavered 
     throughout her life. In Stockton she was one of the founders 
     of the Lady Bugs Auxiliary; an organization that supports the 
     developmentally disabled. Having lost her daughter, Nancy, to 
     juvenile diabetes in 1995, she was supportive of the American 
     Diabetes Association and could always be found taking 
     casseroles to families of cancer patients.
       While living in Stockton in the latter years of her life, 
     Merle also became involved in local politics, making 
     incredible lunches for volunteers and walking precincts with 
     her grandchildren.
       Merle's life is celebrated by her daughter, Patti, and her 
     son-in-law, Congressman John Garamendi, who lovingly cared 
     for her in their home over the past two-and-a-half years. Her 
     12 grandchildren and her 21 great-grandchildren also 
     celebrate her life. Her work ethic, generosity, spirit of 
     service and adventure, and love for family continues to serve 
     as an inspiration to all who knew her.
       The pioneering spirit that her family brought to America 
     over 350 years ago lives on through her legacy.

  Madam Speaker, on behalf of the House of Representatives, I would 
like to extend our sincere condolences to my friends Patti and John 
Garamendi, both fellow Peace Corps volunteers, and our sincere thanks 
to Edna Merle Wilkinson for serving as such a great example to us all.

                          ____________________