[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 83 (Wednesday, June 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E849]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING LANDON BONNIEPAUL VERNON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 12, 2013

  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
remarkable life of Mr. Landon Bonniepaul Vernon. A loving son, brother, 
husband, father, grandfather and friend, Mr. Vernon was exemplary in 
his familial devotion, entrepreneurial spirit and community pride. With 
his passing on March 5, 2013 we are reminded of his life's journey and 
the joyful legacy he inspired.
  Born in Franklinton, Louisiana on August 26, 1936, Landon was the 
third of six boys born to Sherman Vernon and Sara Crawford. The family 
relocated to California in the early 1940s, settling in Oakland, where 
Landon attended local schools and played high school and college 
basketball.
  Mr. Vernon married his high school sweetheart and the love of his 
life, Barbara McKellar-Vernon, and together they raised three children, 
Landon Carl, Wayne and Darlene. An avid businessman and entrepreneur, 
Mr. Vernon started a janitorial service as early as high school. Over 
the years, he also worked in a variety of roles at stalwart Bay Area 
businesses like Aerojet, Wonder Bread, The National Association of Home 
Builders and Oakland's Outreach Development Program.
  Yet, Mr. Vernon also continued to achieve his dream of 
entrepreneurial success while becoming co-owner and co-manager of 
several Bay Area clubs, including Celebrity Club, Consultants Lounge, 
Bird Kage, Dock of the Bay, Old Golden, Bosn's Locker and Nick's 
Lounge. Many of these locales were African American cultural 
institutions that contributed to the important legacy of Black- and 
minority-owned small businesses in the East Bay. Mr. Vernon was also 
the owner of the vending machine company LV Rentals.
  In addition to Mr. Vernon's commitment to his business ventures, he 
was an avid sports buff who supported East Bay athletic organizations 
and cofounded the Bird Kage Golf Tournament. As a member of the 
``Sportsmen Club All Stars'' basketball team, Mr. Vernon played with 
the likes of Wilt ``The Stilt'' Chamberlain, Charlie Hardy, Don 
Barksdale, Richard Whitehurst and Harold Theus. His enthusiasm in 
supporting athletic and business communities of color undoubtedly 
helped to pave the way for more organizations to follow.
  In addition to this community activity, Mr. Vernon loved to travel. 
He was especially fond of visiting extended family and friends back in 
Louisiana and making sure that the bonds of family and friendship were 
always strong. Fishing was also one of his favorite pastimes for 
relaxation, and he often noted that if all mankind could fish, the 
world would recognize and want that kind of peace every day. His life 
was truly one that was ``well-lived and well-loved,'' and his memory is 
a testament to the benefits of forming and sustaining meaningful 
relationships with others. Furthermore, Landon was a personal friend 
who I met in the early 1970s. He was fun, smart and extremely kind to 
my family. We are deeply grateful for his friendship.
  Today, California's 13th Congressional District salutes and honors 
Mr. Landon Bonniepaul Vernon. His vibrant spirit and sense of 
fellowship will continue to guide others to connect with their 
communities and loved ones for years to come. I offer my sincerest 
condolences to Landon's surviving family and to the many friends and 
associates whose lives he touched over the course of his incredible 
life. He will be deeply missed.

                          ____________________