[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 3, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E589]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING HENRY L. ``HANK'' LACAYO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JULIA BROWNLEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 3, 2017

  Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to offer my 
sympathy and condolences to Leah Lacayo and the entire Lacayo family on 
the passing of my friend and ally, Henry L. ``Hank'' Lacayo.
   Hank dedicated his life to bettering our community and country. Born 
in 1931 in Los Angeles, Hank grew up in the depths of the Great 
Depression, fighting through a time of great economic uncertainty and 
racial injustice. When World War II broke out, Hank was absolutely 
determined to serve his country. He tried to join the military at the 
age of 16, but was turned away. He finally was able to join the U.S. 
Army Air Corps after his high school graduation.
   Following his military service, Hank began his career in 1953 at 
North American Aviation and became involved with United Auto Workers of 
America (UAW) Local 887. Nine years later, he was elected President of 
the UAW Local, a position in which he represented the interests of over 
30,000 workers and their families. Through his steadfast leadership, 
Hank was appointed National Director of the Political and Legislative 
Department of the UAW. While working in this capacity, Hank served as 
an advisor under Democratic Presidential Administrations from John F. 
Kennedy to Bill Clinton. In 1986, Hank retired from the UAW and 
subsequently formed H. L. & Associates, a consulting firm that enabled 
him to continue to be involved in labor relations issues, as well as 
other government, seniors, and international issues.
   After his retirement, Hank continued to give back to his community 
by serving as President of the Congress of California Seniors, where he 
dedicated his time to advocating for a better quality of life for 
others. Hank also worked hard in the community to help prepare the next 
generation of leaders, public servants, and community activists.
   Founded in 2010 at California State University Channel Islands, the 
Henry L. ``Hank'' Lacayo Institute for Workforce & Community Studies 
facilitates student internships, scholarly research, and the 
dissemination of policy information and recommendations. In the 
program, students learn the essential skill sets to change lives and 
positively impact communities.
   Hank spent his lifetime working for Ventura County and for our 
nation. His hard work and dedication--which has ranged from serving in 
the Army Air Corp, to actively fighting for working families and 
California's seniors, and passing down his knowledge and experience to 
students who will continue his influential work--has helped to create a 
better America.
   Last year, the United Way of Ventura County recognized Hank for his 
lifetime achievements. However, it is tremendously difficult to 
encapsulate everything that Hank did for his community and his country 
in only a few words. Hank was so much greater and bigger than the words 
that have often been used to describe him.
   He will be remembered for his wise counsel, sincere kindness, and 
unwavering commitment to service to others. Hank will truly be missed, 
but his legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of the many 
individuals that he touched, including my own, throughout his 
extraordinary and remarkable life.

                          ____________________