[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 131 (Friday, September 28, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1670]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        A TRIBUTE TO HONOR THE LIFE OF ROBERT ``BAT'' BATINOVICH

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                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 28, 2012

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert ``Bat'' 
Batinovich, a special friend and extraordinary citizen who passed on 
September 11, 2012, on the Big Island of Hawaii surrounded by his loved 
ones. He is survived by his wife Garnet, son Andy (Debbie), daughter 
Angela, and grandchildren Kyle and Kelly Cotchett, Alexa Batinovich and 
Avery Bysouth, brother Ken (Annette), many wonderful cousins and scores 
of friends.
  Robert Batinovich was born July 13, 1936, in Long Beach, California, 
to Matthew and Margaret Batinovich. He attended St. Anthony's High 
School and worked as a tuna fisherman in South America.
  A resident of Hillsborough and a highly trusted and respected 
businessman, ``Bat'' was the founder of Glenborough Corporation based 
in San Mateo, California, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of 
Glenborough Realty Trust Inc. a Real Estate Investment Trust through 
his retirement. He spent seven years as an executive with Norris 
Industries, after which most of his business life was devoted to 
entrepreneurial and venture capital activities primarily through the 
start-up or acquisition, operation, and ultimate sale, of a variety of 
businesses.
  Between 1976-1980, ``Bat'' served on the California Public Utilities 
Commission, and for the last two years of his service, he was 
President. He served on the California State Board of Transportation in 
1977, and the Health Facilities Authority in 1981. He also served on 
the Board of Farr Company and the Advisory Board of Greater Bay Bank 
Corp., Palo Alto, California. His love of charities led him to support 
Community Gatepath, Georgetown University, The Samaritan House and 
Catholic Charities. He loved people and lived a full life, contributing 
significantly as a public servant and a businessman. He always led by 
example and integrity. He was universally respected for his compassion, 
his caring, his drive, and his generosities, and it was a privilege to 
call him my friend.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in extending our deepest 
condolences to ``Bat's'' beloved wife, Garnet, and their entire family. 
``Bat'' was a strong leader, businessman, philanthropist and public 
servant who brought much joy to the lives he touched, strengthened his 
community and bettered the Nation he loved so much. His life and his 
contributions are worthy of this tribute we pay to him today.

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