[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 146 (Tuesday, October 6, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1431]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING PETER AND SHEILA ARELLANO

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF DENHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 6, 2015

  Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the 
lives of a well-known and beloved couple in the Escalon community, 
Peter and Sheila Arellano. They passed away within a year of each 
other. Sheila on October 7, 2014 and Peter on June 14, 2015.
  Peter, fondly known as ``Chessie'' to his friends and family, grew up 
in Sonora, California where he was noted as a star athlete. After 
graduating from high school, Peter enlisted in the United States Air 
Force during WWII. He was stationed in the South Pacific, Australia, 
New Guinea, the Philippines, and Europe where he spent several years 
diligently and courageously serving our Country. After returning from 
WWII, he graduated from San Jose State to begin a career teaching and 
coaching. He also served in his local Lions Club for over 65 years in 
various positions from Past President to Chairman. He was Stockton 
County Fair Escalon Exhibit Co-Chair for over 20 years. He also started 
the Peter Arellano Athletic Scholarship and he previously hosted the 
Peter Arellano Athletic Scholarship Golf Tournament to raise money for 
scholar athletes from Escalon High School. Peter married the love of 
his life, Sheila, and together they moved to Escalon, California where 
they lived for over 58 years. Pete continued his passion for teaching 
at Escalon High School.
  Sheila proudly worked as the assistant editor for the Escalon Times. 
Sheila also served as President of the Chamber of Commerce for two 
terms, member of the Historian Society, Escalon City Committee, Red 
Hats, Catholic YLI, Actor in Readers Theater, retired teacher aide at 
Den Elementary and El Portal Middle School, Escalon Soroptimist Group, 
and Stockton Country Fair Escalon Exhibit Chair for over 20 years. She 
started the Escalon Low Vision Support Group, hosted bingo lunch with 
seniors twice a month, and continued to be an acting Ambulance board 
member. The community honored them as Mr. and Mrs. Escalon because of 
their immense participation and contributions.
  They have left a permanent mark on the Escalon Community. Both were 
inspiring human beings even in the face of difficult times. Sheila 
endured two bouts of breast cancer, kidney failure, heart attacks, and 
blindness due to macular degeneration. Despite all this, she maintained 
a smile on her face and a high spirit of gratitude. Pete's energy was 
just as contagious, and it allowed for them to be confident together. 
Both lived life the way it should be lived; they enjoyed the simple 
things and made the most of their time together every day.
  Family was central to the Arellanos and they loved their family above 
all else. They are survived by their three children George Arellano, 
Tina Jensen and Bahrt Arellano; seven grandchildren Kim Theisen, Craig 
Berchtold, Holly Page, Heidi Rech, Jeremy Jensen, Cortez Arellano, 
Vincent Arellano; and eight great-grandchildren Kelsie Theisen, Callie 
Theisen, Trenton Berchtold, Emma Berchtold, Madelyn Page, Colton Page, 
Olivia Jensen and Vivian Jensen.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and recognizing Peter and 
Sheila Arellano for their numerous years of unwavering dedication to 
the Escalon community. They will be deeply missed by many and may God 
bless them always.

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