[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 22, 2016)]
[House]
[Pages H1501-H1502]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING BERT STEPHEN CRANE, A BELOVED LEADER IN THE MERCED COMMUNITY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Denham) for 5 minutes.
  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 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 degree in agricultural economics from 
UC-Davis.
  During his college years, Bert met Nancy Magnuson, whom 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 1970s 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 health care.
  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 
his three children and seven grandchildren.

[[Page H1502]]

  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.


 Honoring James ``Jim'' West, a Beloved Leader in the Modesto Community

  Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the 
life of a beloved leader in the Modesto community, James ``Jim'' West, 
who died at the age of 81 on Sunday, March 13, 2016, surrounded by his 
loving family.
  Jim was born on January 22, 1935, to Donald and Ruby West. He grew up 
in the heart of the Central Valley, Modesto, California, and graduated 
from Modesto High School in 1953.
  Jim furthered his education at Menlo College before attending Kansas 
State University, where he obtained his bachelor's degree in feed 
technology.
  In 1958, Jim joined the thriving and successful company his 
grandfather had started in 1909, the J.S. West Milling Company. The 
family-owned business is known for their production of eggs, feed, and 
propane.
  Through years of hard work and dedication, Jim became shareholder, 
secretary, and vice president of the J.S. West Milling Company board. 
Jim's reputation as an honest businessman helped build the J.S. West 
Milling Company's successful and trustworthy name.
  Jim was also dedicated to improving the community he lived in. He was 
active in several industry and civic groups, most notably as president 
of the Pacific Egg and Poultry Association in 1993 and chairman of the 
American Egg Board in 1997.
  He was an active member of the Western Poultry Scholarship and 
Research Foundation, Memorial Hospital Foundation, Delta Blood Bank, 
and Modesto Junior College Foundation. He was also a proud member of 
the Modesto Rotary since 1969 and later served as president.
  Jim had a genuine love for the people and the community he worked 
tirelessly to help. He was known for his kindness, generosity, and 
strong family values. Succeeding Jim are his wife of 44 years, Jessie 
West, their two sons, and three daughters.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and recognizing the life of 
Jim West for his unwavering leadership, many accomplishments, and 
contributions to the community. God bless him always.

                          ____________________