[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 23, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                  A MEMORIAL TRIBUTE TO BARBARA SYKES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 23, 2016

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Barbara 
Sykes, of Burbank, California, an accomplished volunteer and community 
leader who passed away on Thursday, February 11, 2016.
   Born in 1960, Barbara grew up in Toluca Lake, California. Barbara 
married Dave Golonski and they raised their three children in Burbank, 
where she and her husband became deeply involved in their community.
   Barbara was active in various charitable organizations, before, 
during and after Dave's service on the Burbank City Council. Generous 
with their time and resources, Barbara and Dave frequently hosted 
events at their home for several organizations that raised money for 
both local causes and others in need--I always looked forward to their 
annual holiday party that benefitted the Burbank Coordinating Council, 
Five Acres, the El Faro and Hacienda Orphanages of Tijuana, Mexico and 
the Kids International Foundation, of which Barbara was a founding 
member.
   Ms. Sykes had a passion for charities that benefitted children, and 
to that end, she was a founding board member of the Boys & Girls Club 
of Burbank and the Greater East Valley, an organization that she was 
steadfastly dedicated to and active in for over twenty years. Ms. Sykes 
was a longtime volunteer with the Family Service Agency of Burbank and 
the Burbank Coordinating Council, where she served as one of the key 
organizers for their holiday basket program, and created the council's 
``Coins for Campers'' program. In addition, Barbara raised funds for 
the Condor Squadron, founded by her father, Richard T. Sykes, a local 
organization of aviation enthusiasts which flies World War II and other 
military airplanes in formation over veterans' events, memorial 
ceremonies and parades throughout the region.
   Barbara is survived by her mother, JoAnn Sykes, husband, Dave 
Golonski, children, Randi, Russell and John, son-in-law, Nathan Lowery, 
grandchildren, Grant and JoAnn, and her brothers and sisters, Edmond, 
Jeanne, Carol, Gene, Richard, John and Mary.
   Barbara is an irreplaceable member of the Burbank community, and her 
loss will be deeply felt by the many people whose lives she touched. I 
ask all Members to join me in remembering one of Burbank's most beloved 
citizens, Barbara Sykes.

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