[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 79 (Thursday, May 21, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E785]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF BRUCE FARRIS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 21, 2015

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and career of 
a local Fresno icon, Bruce Farris, who passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 
2015 at the age of 88.
  Bruce was born on March 25, 1927, in Coldwater, Michigan, to Ross and 
Ruth Farris. At the age of four, with the Great Depression limiting 
jobs, the family gathered their belonging and drove to California in 
their Hudson Essex automobile. They settled in Reedley and three years 
later moved to Fresno. There, Bruce attended Daily Elementary School, 
Hamilton Junior High, and graduated from Fresno High School in 1945. At 
Fresno High, Bruce played baseball, basketball, and most importantly, 
during his senior year, he wrote for the Fresno High Owl.
  Following high school, Bruce attended Fresno State College for two 
years where he played basketball and wrote for the Daily Collegian as a 
reporter and an editor. After college, he worked for the Fresno Guide 
and the St. Louis Cardinals organization. At the age of 21, he was 
hired by the Fresno Bee. His career began by reporting on Fresno State 
athletics, and later expanded to a broader range of sporting events. 
What distinguished Mr. Farris from other reporters, and what made his 
career so impressive, was his enthusiasm for his job and his love for 
all sports. Additionally, Mr. Farris was unbiased and fair, making it a 
point to report objectively.
  While working at the Fresno Bee, Bruce worked with a secretary named 
Barbara Harper, whom he married in 1955. Bruce and Barbara had three 
children, Greg, Nancy, and Sandra. They raised their children in a home 
on First Street, and opened their door to many, from people from 
church, to neighborhood kids, and friends, relatives, and foreign 
exchange students. Everyone was welcome in their home at any time.
  In 1997, Mr. Farris was inducted into the Fresno Athletic Hall of 
Fame after decades of covering Fresno State athletics. Afterwards, Mr. 
Farris went on to report for the Fresno Bee as the newspaper's outdoors 
and golf writer. He worked at the Fresno Bee for 23 years before 
retiring in December 2002. Bruce had a truly amazing 52 year long 
career.
  According to his daughter Nancy, Mr. Farris was defined by his faith, 
love of family, and love of sports, three things which led him to be 
such a great man. Mr. Farris' loss is heartbreaking for Fresno, and his 
passing will be felt by the many friends that he has gained throughout 
the years. Everyone that knew Mr. Farris describes him as a kind man 
who truly cared for others, and who was respected by everyone who had 
the honor of knowing him.
  Mr. Farris' wife, Barbara, died in 2007. He is survived by his one 
son, Greg, two daughters, Nancy and Sandra, nine grandchildren, and one 
great-grandchild on the way. Mr. Speaker, it is with the utmost respect 
that I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the wonderful life and 
distinguished career of Bruce Farris. Mr. Farris' passing is a loss to 
our community. While his presence will be greatly missed, his legacy 
will continue through his writing.

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