[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 26, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E960]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN MEMORY OF BYRON ATHAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JERRY McNERNEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 26, 2010

  Mr. McNERNEY. Madam Speaker, today Congressman John Garamendi and I 
ask our colleagues to join us in honoring the life of Byron Athan, who 
passed away at age 91 on November 25, 2009.
  Byron Athan was passionate about public service. He dedicated his 
life to serving his country and community for over 68 years and Byron 
started his unique and distinguished career by joining the U.S. Army. 
He later became a fixture in the San Ramon Valley, authoring the City 
of San Ramon's Charter and later serving in city government in multiple 
capacities including as Mayor and City Attorney.
  Byron Athan joined the Army in 1941 and retired in 1964 at the rank 
of Lieutenant Colonel. He served during WWII in the Pacific Theater. 
Other assignments included tours in post war Germany and Japan, as well 
as assignments in Fort Lee and Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Ft. Leavenworth, 
Kansas, and at the Pentagon as a member of the Army Staff.
  Bryon Athan was vital to the incorporation of the City of San Ramon 
in 1983. He wrote the City Charter and served as San Ramon City 
Attorney from 1983 until his election to the City Council in 1995. He 
was San Ramon Mayor from 1998 to 1999. He returned to the City Attorney 
post from 2004 until he retired in October of 2009 at age 91 as one of 
the most experienced practicing attorneys in California.
  Byron lived life with a passion for exploration and adventure. Byron 
finished the marathon in Greece based on the original completed by the 
ancient Greek Pheidippides, as well as races in San Francisco and 
Hawaii. His spirit did not diminish with time. He celebrated his 90th 
birthday with a 100-mile bike ride.
  Byron's years of service to his community touched the lives of many 
and improved the quality of life in San Ramon. He led by example and in 
the words of former San Ramon Mayor Diane Schinnerer, ``he is known and 
respected for his honesty, integrity, work ethic, and knowledge of the 
law.'' Athan Downs Park in San Ramon, is dedicated in Mr. Athan's honor 
because of his successful advocacy for parkland in the city.
  Byron Athan's dedication to public service leaves a legacy that will 
continue to benefit the people of San Ramon, the state of California 
and our great nation for generations to come. It is for these reasons 
that Congressman John Garamendi and I ask our colleagues to join us in 
honoring the memory of Byron Athan and in sending our thoughts and 
prayers to his beloved family and friends.

                          ____________________