[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 59 (Wednesday, April 5, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E453]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





       HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF WILLIAM ``BILL'' SMETHERS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 5, 2017

  Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 
life of William ``Bill'' Smethers, who passed away on March 31, 2017. 
Bill was a wonderful friend and beloved member of our community whose 
passing is deeply felt. Having known and worked with Bill, I know that 
he will be greatly missed. He touched many lives throughout his decades 
of service to our community.
   As a former Santa Clara County Fair Manager, Bill fought to protect 
the County Fair from being eliminated and continued to advocate for 
improving the Fair well after leaving his post as manager. His 
steadfast dedication became an inspiration for others to follow, 
encouraging them to preserve and continue these Fairs, festivals, and 
other cultural institutions not only in Santa Clara County but across 
California.
   Most importantly, Bill founded Youth Focus Inc. almost 50 years ago 
to empower and motivate youth, providing learning opportunities for 
youth to excel and become future leaders in our community. Through 
various cultural and educational enrichment programs, Bill and his team 
at Youth Focus Inc. made a tremendous impact on countless young people 
by helping them develop skills they needed to become productive and 
contributing members of our society. His work has left a lasting 
impression on those who participated in Youth Focus Inc. programs and 
will continue to be felt by future generations.
   Mr. Speaker, our San Jose community mourns the passing of Bill 
Smethers as we honor his life today. We thank him for his lasting 
contributions to our community and join his loved ones in celebrating 
his incredible life.

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