[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 43 (Thursday, March 17, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E332-E333]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN HONOR OF BERT STEPHEN CRANE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF DENHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 17, 2016

  Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the 
life of a beloved leader in the Merced Community, Bert Stephen Crane. 
Bert passed away at the age of 84 on Sunday, March 13, 2016 surrounded 
by his loving family.
  On November 29, 1931, Bert was born to fourth generation California 
farmers and ranchers. Raised on a cattle ranch, he was up before the 
sun and out until it came down. During his youth, Bert achieved the 
rank of Eagle Scout as a member of Boy Scout troop Number 101.
  At Merced High School, Bert was the drum major in band and played 
basketball. After high school Bert studied at Stanford University and 
obtained his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics from U.C. 
Davis.
  During his college years Bert met Nancy Magnuson who he fell in love 
with and later married in 1957. They remained married for over 58 years 
and raised three children who would follow the family tradition of 
ranching and farming. Bert spent most of his life farming walnuts which 
he ventured into in the early 1970's after his early career in the beef 
industry. Bert went on to own and operate a successful walnut 
processing plant.
  Bert lived an impressive and inspirational life. He was known to have 
ridden horses with Ronald Reagan, was extremely involved in the 
community, and had a passion for healthcare. He led fundraising events 
for Mercy Hospital and was instrumental in the development of the Mercy 
Cancer Center. Bert served on the Merced County Planning Commission for 
28 years. His service to his community, agriculture and research is one 
of great respect and integrity.
  Bert valued and treasured the time he was able to spend with his 
family above all else. He is survived by his loving wife Nancy, and 
their three children, Bert A. Crane, Jr., Mary Crane Couchman, and 
Karen Crane-McNab and seven grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the life of Bert Stephen 
Crane for his unwavering leadership, and recognizing his 
accomplishments and outstanding contributions to the community. God 
bless him always.

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