[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 91 (Thursday, June 17, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1127]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        ON THE PASSING OF JOHN 
                               KING, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 17, 2010

  Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of a much 
beloved San Francisco community leader and decades-long advocate for 
our elderly and physically-disabled residents: John King. Until we lost 
him on June 8, John was the Godfather of Visitacion Valley, bringing 
hope and dignity to the elderly.
  Born in Texas, John King moved to San Francisco in 1948, where he 
worked for many years as a butcher. He also worked for nearly two 
decades as a Merchant Seaman, circling the globe seven times.
  Upon retirement John King turned his attention to his underserved 
neighborhood, Visitacion Valley, especially the safety and well-being 
of its elderly population. He started Visitacion Valley Escort Services 
to provide transportation for the elderly, frail and physically 
challenged.
  The crime-ridden, dilapidated Geneva Towers apartments had been 
demolished creating a critical low-income housing shortage for the 
seniors and families who had lived there.
  Working together, John and I helped to secure funding through the 
Department of Housing and Urban Development to build the John King 
Senior Center. It stands today as a testament to Mr. King's vision, 
knowledge and perseverance. In his lifetime, John was proud to witness 
its growth and success.
  The John King Senior Center is an oasis in our city: its beautiful 
garden is tended by seniors, meals are an opportunity for celebration, 
and holidays, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas are made special for 
the residents.
  This multi-purpose, multi-ethnic neighborhood center provides a safe 
haven for seniors, including transportation services, social 
opportunities, hot nutritious lunches, health and nutrition education 
and housing assistance. In John's name, it offers love and care to 
those who need it most.
  John will be remembered by its residents for his secret, and mouth-
watering, barbecue recipe, but also for the concern he showed to every 
member of the community.
  John King's contributions to Visitacion Valley and the City of San 
Francisco demonstrated remarkable generosity, and we all benefitted 
from his vision, leadership and service.
  I have lost a wise and cherished friend. I hope it is a comfort to 
his beloved wife Violette, his sons John `Subiani' King, Jr. and Jerome 
King, and his grandchildren that countless San Franciscans join them in 
mourning John King's passing.

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