[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 78 (Thursday, May 22, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E826]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO HARVEY DOUMA

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. JEFF DENHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 2014

  Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Harvey 
Douma, who has devoted his life to Ripon, California and is being 
honored with the Harvey Douma Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ripon 
Rotary Club. The club created this award to recognize and honor a 
Rotary member who has made immeasurable contributions to the club and 
named it after a charter member. Harvey will be the first recipient.
  In 1918, Harvey Douma arrived in Ripon when he was only a year and a 
half of age. The family made the trip from Northern Michigan in their 
seven passenger car. The clutch went out on the trip and they took the 
train for the remainder of their journey. They arrived in Lathrop on 
November 17, where they waited, for eight hours, to transfer to another 
train that would take them to the Ripon, California.
  When he came of age, Harvey enlisted in the Merchant Marines. He 
attended basic training on Catalina Island during World War II. His 
first duty station assignment was to a troop transport on a ship that 
was in dry dock at San Pedro, California.
  After completing his service to his country, he returned to Ripon. He 
joined the Ripon Police Department, where he was a member for 31 years. 
Harvey served as Chief of Police from October 1, 1963 to May 26, 1982, 
which is the longest tenure of any police chief in Ripon history.
  In 1968, at the 6th Annual Ripon Almond Blossom Festival, the Ripon 
Chamber of Commerce dedicated the festival to salute local law 
enforcement with emphasis to be placed on ``Operation Crime Stop''. 
They named Harvey as the Grand Marshal of the parade. He also had the 
honor of serving as Grand Marshal of Ripon High School's Centennial 
Parade & Celebration. As a 1935 Ripon High School graduate, he is the 
oldest living alumnus.
  As one that gives back to his community, he is a member of several 
community organizations. As a charter member of the Ripon Rotary Club, 
he has earned 2 Paul Harris Awards. In addition, he is a charter member 
of Ripon's Historical Society, life member of the Chamber of Commerce 
and served as President in 1970; he has been a member of the Safety 
Council for over 55 years. When he is not volunteering his time, he 
enjoys fishing, hunting and travel.
  In 1939, Harvey married Etta Mae Ramsey. They were married for 58 
years until her death in 1997. Their union produced three children; 
Linda Perrando, Donna Vincelet Brundy, and Donald Douma. They have 6 
grandchildren: Diane Wong, Greg & Roger Vincelet; Mike & Mark Perrando; 
Stacey Cordoba & Dorine Hatcher and 7 great-grandchildren: Lyndsey & 
Kyle Wong; Megan Vincelet Van Ruiten & Cody Vincelet; Jordyn & Jayse 
Vincelet; Julia Hatcher, Deceased.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating with the Ripon Rotary Club 
in honoring Harvey Douma with the Harvey Douma Lifetime Achievement 
Award. He is a man who dedicated numerous years of selfless service to 
the betterment of our community.

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