[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 156 (Thursday, December 2, 2010)]
[House]
[Page H8014]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                A TRIBUTE TO RAYMOND DEMETRIO GUTIERREZ

  (Mr. SCHIFF asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to 
Raymond Demetrio Gutierrez, a wonderful man, a husband, a father, a 
grandfather, and great-grandfather, who also served his country bravely 
during World War II.
  Mr. Gutierrez, of San Gabriel, California, was born December 22, 
1926, and was 18 years old when he left his family to answer the call 
of duty to his country. He served as Seaman First Class on the USS 
BonHomme Richard, which joined the Pacific Fleet during World War II.
  Raymond Gutierrez passed away on October 28, 2010, at the age of 83. 
His memory will live on through his wife of 57 years, Norma; his son, 
David; and daughter, Theresa. He was also blessed with five 
grandchildren--Aundrea, Valerie, Alissa, Kimber, and Michael--and a 
great-grandson, Ryan.
  He is fondly remembered by his family as a man of great personal 
conviction, always putting his family first and treating everyone with 
great respect. A man of great humor, Raymond would never directly 
disclose his age but would instead pay it out in change. At age 83 he 
would say, ``I am three quarters, one nickel, and three pennies.''
  He is affectionately remembered in a poem written by his 
granddaughter, Alissa Cano, for his 84th birthday, which I submit for 
the Record.
  We are indebted to Mr. Gutierrez for his life of service and for the 
fine family and extraordinary example he leaves behind.

              Three Quarters, One Nickel and Four Pennies

     With weak legs, a feeble body and a sharp mind
     Tata you've lived an exciting life, ``one of a kind''

     A mischievous child you always found trouble
     From stories I've heard you were a lot to juggle

     At one dime, one nickel and three pennies a navy man you were
     Standing tall with pride aboard the Bon Homme Richard

     Shortly after serving you settled down and tied the knot
     And it wasn't long before you had a tinny little tot

     A family man and hard worker with your hands
     You still found time to venture out across the lands

     Throughout many years the Gutierrez family grew in size
     You became a storyteller and friend in your watchful 
           granddaughter's eyes

     We learned about Ferdinand loving flowers and Old Freddie 
           Fewie
     And we each earned our own nicknames like Sam, George & Lewie

     At three quarters, one nickel and three Pennies
     You're a great grandfather and one of Ryan's buddies

     Your time has not come so keep your head high and stand a 
           little taller
     Because Tata I love you and want you to live for a dollar

                          ____________________