[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 74 (Monday, May 1, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E572-E573]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING GARY THOMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JARED HUFFMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 1, 2017

  Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, we rise today in memory of Judge Gary 
Thomas, who passed away on April 3, 2017, after a lifetime of service 
to his community.
   A graduate of the University of San Francisco and the University of 
San Francisco School of Law, Judge Thomas joined the California Bar in 
1962. From 1962 to 1968, Judge Thomas was also a member of the United 
States Air Force Reserve. A San Rafael resident, Judge Thomas spent his 
professional life serving Marin County, first as a county prosecutor, 
then as an assistant district attorney, then as a Judge appointed in 
1972 by Governor Ronald Reagan, where he was reelected by the public 
several times.
   Mr. Thomas was paralyzed during the 1970 shootout at the Marin 
County Civic Center when he was prosecuting a case of a San Quentin 
inmate who was charged with assaulting a prison guard. During the 
trial, the defendant's brother, along with others, took Judge Thomas, 
Judge Harold Haley, and

[[Page E573]]

three female jurors, hostage. During the escape, a gunfight began. With 
bravery and courage, Judge Thomas was able to grab one of the 
assailant's guns to protect himself and the other hostages. Judge 
Thomas was shot near his spine which left him paralyzed from the waist 
down. Judge Thomas returned to work five weeks later. Related to the 
injury, he would suffer from kidney problems, pneumonia, and other 
complications throughout his life; but he continued to serve on the 
bench until 1999, showing strength and resilience few will ever know.
   Mr. Speaker, the depth of Judge Thomas's service to his local 
community as well as his commitment to his family and the judiciary has 
left a positive legacy to many, and he will be dearly missed. It is 
therefore appropriate that we pay tribute to him today and honor his 
memory.

                          ____________________