[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 79 (Wednesday, May 30, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E905]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           A TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF RUTHERFORD ``BUD'' GASTON

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 30, 2012

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of 
Rutherford ``Bud'' Gaston, who passed away on May 16, 2012 at the age 
of 91. Bud will be remembered for his groundbreaking work in education, 
his loyalty to his friends, family, and students, as well as his role 
as one of Central California's most visionary leaders.
  Bud was born in Georgia and spent his childhood in Pennsylvania, 
where he attended elementary school and high school. His commitment to 
service was evident early in his life. Bud served our Nation proudly in 
the United States Army during World War II and ended his service as a 
second lieutenant.
  Bud and his wife made their way to Fresno in the late 1940s. In 1953, 
he graduated from California State University, Fresno and began his 
educational career. His remarkable 33-year educational career was 
marked with milestones. As Fresno Unified School District's first 
African-American principal, Bud became an inspiration and source of 
pride for an entire community.
  Bud consistently maintained a positive attitude and worked tirelessly 
to ensure the success of his students. As a teacher, his gentle spirit 
and big heart put his students at ease and encouraged them to pursue 
success. In 1963, Bud was named principal of Teilman and Emerson 
schools. He retired in 1986 after serving as principal at Bethune 
Elementary School for 14 years. Throughout his impressive career, he 
served as a mentor to countless students.
  Bud's service to our community did not end in the classroom; he also 
served on a number of boards and commissions. He served as President of 
United Black Men of Fresno for ten years and was active on the boards 
of the Chaffee Zoo, Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno, St. Agnes Medical 
Center, and the Kiwanis Club of Fresno. His hard work and innovative 
nature made him a respected member of our community and he served as an 
example to many.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of 
Rutherford ``Bud'' Gaston, one of Fresno's most distinguished leaders, 
a trailblazer for education, and a true champion for the people of 
Central California. His leadership made him a role model and an asset 
to our community. His caring nature and vibrant spirit will be sorely 
missed, but his legacy will live on in the lives of those he touched.

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