[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 3 (Friday, January 7, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E37]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING HARRELL FLETCHER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LOIS CAPPS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 7, 2011

  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the passing of an 
exemplary citizen of California's Central Coast: Mr. Harrell Fletcher.
  Mr. Fletcher lived in the Santa Maria Valley for 80 years, moving to 
the area from Arkansas as a young boy. He attended San Luis Obispo High 
School and California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo. He 
moved to Santa Maria with the architecture firm responsible for 
building Camp Cook, now Vandenberg Air Force Base, in the early 1940's.
  Over his decades in the Santa Maria Valley, he seemed to fill every 
role in the community at one time or another: local business owner, 
County Supervisor, school board member, founding member of the Los 
Padres National Bank, Fair board member and Coastal Commission member. 
He was the most senior land use consultant in the region and was the 
longest serving member of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce. 
Mr. Fletcher also served on literally dozens of other groups, 
organizations and committees over the years, with each organization 
benefiting from his strong work ethic and unique insight into our 
community.
  Mr. Fletcher and his wife Betty have been acknowledged frequently for 
their pivotal role in the growth of Santa Maria Valley community. In 
March 2004, the City of Santa Maria, in honor of Harrell and Betty 
Fletcher, dedicated ``Fletcher Park'' on their behalf. In 2009, the 
City Council declared July 24, 2009 as ``Harrell Fletcher Day.''
  On a personal note, Mr. Fletcher always extended a gracious hand when 
working with both me and my late husband U.S. Rep. Walter Capps on a 
range of issues. We may have been of different political parties but 
that did not matter to Mr. Fletcher. He was always generous and 
affable, and always interested in addressing the issues to make life 
better for Santa Marians. Like my late husband, I considered it an 
distinct honor and privilege to work with someone so dedicated to his 
community, and who influenced so much of its growth for so many years.
  Harrell Fletcher is survived by his wonderful wife of almost 60 
years, Betty, and their children, grandchildren and great 
grandchildren. I thank them for sharing Harrell and his many talents 
with us these many years and offer my deepest condolences on their 
loss.

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