[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 57 (Wednesday, April 24, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E530]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING MAYOR TERRY YORKE LaROIX, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 24, 2013

  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
exceptional life of Alameda's first elected mayor, the Honorable Terry 
Yorke LaCroix, Jr. Born and raised in the City of Alameda, Mayor 
LaCroix was known for his love of the community and volunteered 
countless hours to public service. His strong leadership bolstered 
Alameda and the surrounding community during crucial transitions, and 
even times of tragedy. With his passing on March 19, 2013, we look to 
Mayor LaCroix's legacy and the outstanding quality of his life's work.
  Born on October 24, 1924 to Vivian and Terry LaCroix, Sr., he 
attended St. Joseph Catholic School and Alameda High School before 
leaving to serve in World War II. In the U.S. Army Air Corps, he 
trained on C-47s, served as a flight engineer, and flew in the China-
Burma-India theatre.
  After marrying the love of his life, Patricia (``Patty''), in 1947, 
the couple settled in Alameda where they raised six daughters. During 
his early career working as a manager at Alameda's Del Monte plant and, 
later, over the course of a long career as a banking executive, Terry 
LaCroix became deeply involved with civic life.
  As an Alameda City Councilmember from 1963 to 1969, Terry gained the 
trust and respect of colleagues and community members alike. And, in 
1969, he became Alameda's first elected mayor, serving the City 
dutifully until 1975. As Mayor, he proudly defeated a 1972 proposal 
called ``Southern Crossing,'' which would have built a bridge linking 
the idyllic island community to San Francisco. In another bid to 
preserve Alameda's traditional infrastructure, Mayor LaCroix limited 
building construction and housing density to combat overdevelopment.
  On February 7, 1973, Mayor LaCroix was faced with public tragedy when 
a U.S. Navy aircraft accidentally collided with an Alameda apartment 
building, killing the pilot and 10 bystanders and causing a fire that 
damaged the area. His leadership in guiding first responders and 
community assistance, as well as easing relations between local 
residents and the naval air station, helped pave way for the process of 
healing.
  Among his many other distinctions and community associations, Terry 
LaCroix served as Chairman of Alameda County Criminal Justice Planning 
Bard, President of the Mayor's and Councilmen's League of California 
Cities, President of Kiwanis Club, Chairman of Alameda Park and 
Recreation Department, and on the Board of Directors of Providence 
Hospital (now Summit Medical Center in Oakland).
  Together, he and his wife enjoyed sailing, traveling, and 
volunteering--providing their services at Redding, California's Mercy 
Medical Center and on the Board of Trustees well into retirement. A man 
of great faith, Terry also served as a Eucharistic minister and as 
chairman for many annual fundraisers at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in 
Redding. He was a loving grandfather to ten and a great-grandfather to 
three great-granddaughters.
  Today, we mourn the loss of a community stalwart and a respected 
leader who helped shape the City of Alameda and the surrounding area 
during his political career. Mayor Terry Yorke LaCroix, Jr., leaves 
behind a strong legacy of character, integrity, and love for his 
community. I offer my sincerest condolences to his surviving family and 
to the many friends and associates whose lives he touched over the 
course of his long and fruitful life. He will be deeply missed.

                          ____________________