[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 17, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E24-E25]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF RUBEN AYALA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 17, 2012

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask Congress to pay tribute to 
a devoted public servant, Ruben Ayala. Ruben, a former State Senator 
from California passed away on January 4, 2012, at the age of eighty-
nine.
  Ruben was born and raised in segregated Chino, California, to 
Hispanic parents. During his youth, he attended Chino High School and 
was widely respected for his strong athletic ability. After high 
school, Ruben served honorably in the 1st Marine Division in the South 
Pacific during World War II.
  After his service in the Marine Corps, Ruben attended the National 
Electronic Institute of Los Angeles, where he studied television 
repair. It was during this time that he met his beloved wife, Irene. 
Ruben worked in television repair in Chino, and later the insurance 
industry, until starting his political career in 1955 with his election 
to the school board.
  In 1962, Ruben continued his career as a city councilman in Chino. 
Two years later, in 1964, Ruben became Chino's first elected mayor, 
where he began to leave his lasting impression on the community. From 
1974 until 1998, Ruben served admirably as a State Senator, becoming 
the first Mexican-American to serve in the Senate since 1911.
  I had the privilege of knowing Ruben and Irene personally. I also had 
the honor of serving with Ruben in the California State Legislature. 
During our service together, I quickly discovered that Ruben was widely 
respected by both Democrats and Republicans, who looked to him for 
advice and counsel because of his ability to lead and his hard working 
reputation. Ruben's success as a Senator opened doors for Latinos and 
Latinas in California. Ruben encouraged and inspired me to run for his 
Senate seat, when his career ended due to term limits.

[[Page E25]]

  In our time working together on important water and transportation 
issues, I saw first-hand Ruben's commitment to improving the quality of 
life for area residents. His immense passion and devotion for his 
hometown led him to create legislation to build the Peripheral Canal as 
well as to establish the California Conservation Corps. Through his 
commitment to public service, Ruben inspired hope for a better future 
for the next generation. Due to his remarkable service to Chino, a High 
School was named in his honor, as well as a park in Chino.
  Ruben was preceded by the death of his wife, Irene in 2008. He is 
survived by his sons; Bud, Maurice, and Gary. He leaves with cherished 
memories a loving 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 Ruben's family at this time. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to 
join me today in honoring a beloved community member and tireless 
advocate, Ruben Ayala.

                          ____________________