[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 63 (Tuesday, May 10, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E843]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF CHARLES SEYMOUR

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california-

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 10, 2011

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask Congress to pay tribute to 
a community leader and activist, Charles Seymour. Charlie passed away 
on April 1, 2011 and a memorial service was held on April 13, 2011 at 
the Feldham Library in the Bing Wong Auditorium.
  Charlie grew up in a segregated neighborhood in Detroit. Although his 
opportunities were limited, he made the most of them. He became 
heavyweight champion Joe Louis' golf caddy. Charlie often said he 
learned everything he needed to know about life on the golf course. He 
emphasized the honor and integrity as well the self-reliance, self-
control, and self-discipline golf taught him.
  Moving to Los Angeles as a young man, Charlie relied on all these 
characteristics to succeed. He worked odd jobs and supplemented his 
income with the money he earned at golf matches. Charlie worked for The 
Tribune Newspaper on Mount Vernon Avenue and later started a bulk 
mailing business.
  Throughout his professional success, Charlie remained an activist at 
heart. In San Bernardino, he was known for his compassion--especially 
for children and animals. Charlie has been described as a ``force-
multiplier.'' Dr. Amos Issac explains, ``He was a kind of exceptional 
person at seeing the needs out there, and involving others in helping 
to respond to those needs.''
  Notably, Charlie served as CEO of the Adopt-A-Bike Program. In 1991, 
there was a local bike rodeo that gave away four bikes but had 165 
children participate. After witnessing the event, Charlie called 
everyone he knew to ask them for a bike; he received 85 bikes. He was 
able to present 51 fixed bikes at the next raffle. The event evolved 
into the Adopt-A-Bike Program and later the Adopt-A-Computer program. 
The San Bernardino community will always remember these two programs 
and the compassionate advocate who started the operations.
  Charlie passed away less than three months after his wife, Madeline. 
He is survived by his children Charlotte Bruce Hall, Donna LeRoy Baker, 
Pat Walton, and Larry Lacy. He leaves with cherished memories a loving, 
large family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. My thoughts and 
prayers, along with those of my wife, Barbara, and my children, Mayor 
Pro Tem Joe Baca Jr., Jeremy, Natalie, and Jennifer are with Charlie's 
family at this time. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today 
in honoring a beloved community member and tireless advocate, Charlie 
Seymour.

                          ____________________