[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 5 (Thursday, January 9, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E40]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING DAN BILBREY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF DENHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 9, 2014

  Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the 
life of Mr. Dan Bilbrey, a Vietnam War veteran who served in the Air 
Force and an outstanding leader in the community of Tracy, California.
  Dan Bilbrey moved to Tracy, California in 1968 where he eventually 
served as the Mayor for 12 years, from 1994 to 2006 after a term on the 
City Council from 1990 to 1994.
  At age 68, Mr. Bilbrey died in his home in the early morning on 
Wednesday, November 20, 2013, after suffering an illness for 7 months.
  As mayor, Mr. Bilbrey played critical roles in many key community 
projects including: the Tracy Outlets, the West Valley Mall, 
construction of the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, the Civic 
Center, renovation of the fire administration building at Ninth Street 
and Central Avenue, completion of the South County Water Surface 
Project, and establishment of a city parks system.
  The city of Tracy honored Mr. Bilbrey's long career of service to the 
community on February 5th by dedicating the plaza at City Hall, 333 
Civic Center Drive, in his name.
  Dan was a man of strong faith and conviction. He was a loyal, patient 
man that his family and community have always been proud and blessed to 
have in their lives. He was of the highest integrity, a man of wisdom 
and courage, strength and honor, who respected, and was respected by 
all. He was always there to help, whether it was a boy scout, a 
teenager, or any other individual.
  Mr. Bilbrey gave 100% into all projects; big or small, they were all 
of equal importance. He was a man of many hats: Mayor, Councilman, 
Foundation Director, reserve policeman, medic, husband, father, 
brother, uncle, grandfather, and recently a great grandfather. He was 
born to Quitman and Lena Bilbrey and had one sibling, Ann Lamb; all 
have now passed. He has two children, John and Jennifer, three 
grandchildren, Savannah, Toli Jr. and Rylee, and one great 
granddaughter, Danni, who was named after him. His sister, Ann, married 
Spencer Lamb; they have three children, Terry, Sherry, and Elizabeth, 
who were very close to him. There are many great nieces and nephews, 
all of whom Dan's love and life touched.
  When Dan had free time, he enjoyed spending it in his garden with 
his, ``sweetie,'' Josie and his Boston Terrier. They made many trips to 
Oregon to visit grandchildren. They have also visited Europe, 
specifically: Portugal, Ireland, and England. Dan took after-Christmas 
trips to Hawaii with close friends to bring in the New Year. He took 
several cruises to the Panama Canal, Central America and Alaska. Dan 
made friends everywhere he went and influenced many with his wisdom and 
kindness. He will be greatly missed by all. His contributions to our 
lives and community will always be remembered.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Dan Bilbrey for his life and 
great contributions to his family, community and country.

                          ____________________