[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 22, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E719]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




A TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF THE LIFE OF THE HONORABLE ROBERT HOWARD BURY, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 22, 2013

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a great and 
good man, a man who lived a life of service to his country and his 
community. Robert Howard Bury died peacefully, surrounded by his loving 
family, at the age of 94 on May 2, 2013.
   Bob Bury was born in San Francisco to Helen and Howard Bury. He and 
his sister Gloria lived a happy but impecunious life with them. At an 
early age Bob delivered newspapers and groceries to help make ends meet 
for the family. This early training served him well in his later career 
as a successful tire dealer in Redwood City and Palo Alto.
   Bob Bury was a fine provider for his family and his life was 
synonymous with service. He served his country in the United States 
Navy, with four years in combat in the Pacific. He was a Machinists 
Mate 1st Class and served on the USS Karnes, an attack transport ship. 
Bob was proud of being aboard the Karnes during the Battle of Okinawa 
when the ship was delivering reinforcements of troops and equipment, 
despite being under Kamikaze attack.
   Bob also served his community through his many years of 
extraordinary service to his beloved home town, Redwood City. He served 
24 years on the Redwood City Council, seeing the City through many 
difficult years, and was Mayor from 1968 to 1972. He served in 
leadership posts in countless organizations, including the Redwood City 
Chamber of Commerce, the Redwood City Port Commission, Redwood City 
Kiwanis, and the San Mateo County Visitors Bureau. Bob retired from 
service only two years ago when he left the San Mateo County Mosquito 
and Vector Control District Board. Bob Bury earned and deserved the 
sobriquet ``Mr. Redwood City"!
   Bob adored his family, and they him. He leaves his beloved wife of 
70 years, June. He also leaves four children; Susan (Harry Battin), Bob 
Bury Jr. (Sue Subbot), Judy Bury Alessandri (Tom Alessandri), and 
Patricia Bury, as well as several grandchildren who affectionately 
called him ``Bobbie".
   Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 
extraordinary life and accomplishments of Bob Bury, and in extolling 
his life of service to others. I also ask my colleagues to join me in 
extending our most sincere condolences to Bob Bury's family, for their 
loss is a great one. I'm very proud to have had the opportunity to know 
and work with Bob Bury and even prouder to call him my friend. Through 
his leadership, integrity and decency, he made our country and our 
community stronger and better.

                          ____________________