[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 134 (Wednesday, October 2, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1415]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING JOHN PARSONS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HENRY A. WAXMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 2, 2013

  Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of 
John Parsons, a man who gave so much of himself to the community. He 
had served as a City Councilmember in Redondo Beach and most recently 
as the Planning Commissioner. John has been a pillar in the South Bay 
community and will be remembered for his dedicated service to the City 
of Redondo Beach.
   I have had the great honor of working with John since I began 
representing the 33rd Congressional District. He helped me get to know 
the South Bay, its businesses and local Chambers of Commerce.
   John had a long history of public service in the beach communities 
and beyond. He served as chairman of the City's Harbor Commission and 
Chamber of Commerce Board and was president of the Redondo Beach 
Rotary. Most recently, he worked as the business services and economic 
development manager for the South Bay Workforce Investment Board.
   One of John's most important contributions to the community was as a 
founding member and original chairman of the Los Angeles Air Force 
Regional Alliance, which successfully protected the Los Angeles Air 
Force Base from the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure list. John's 
tireless work helped the Air Force Base remain in El Segundo and remain 
a central part of the defense community. It continues to support tens 
of thousands of local jobs and supports our national security around 
the globe.
   John is survived by his wife, Mary Ann and two daughters, Nikki and 
Danielle; a sister, Lorraine Doolin of Virginia; and two brothers, Mike 
Parsons and Pat Parsons of Los Angeles. My thoughts and deepest 
sympathies go out to John's family and friends during this difficult 
time.
   John will truly be remembered as a civic leader who always had the 
best interest of his community in mind. I ask that my colleagues join 
me in celebrating the remarkable life and tremendous contributions of 
John Parsons. Our community owes John a debt of gratitude for his 
service and he will not be forgotten.

                          ____________________