[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 108 (Friday, June 23, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E887]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF STAN McETCHIN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DOUG LaMALFA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 23, 2017

  Mr. LaMALFA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the storied life of 
one of my constituents, Stanley David McEtchin, better known as Stan.
  Hailing from Vancouver, British Columbia, Stan passed away on June 
9th after 92 years of enriching the lives of those around him. For the 
past few decades, the small town of Paradise, CA has known Stan as a 
pillar of the community whose sculpted metal artwork decorated shops 
and houses all across Butte County. But before his creative artwork 
made him a local celebrity, Stan served in an even higher calling, 
volunteering in his country's military in World War II.
  In 1943, Stan volunteered for the First Special Service Force in the 
Canadian Army and served as an ammunition supplier and medic. His unit, 
known as the Devil's Brigade, was an elite American and Canadian 
commando unit that preceded modern special operations forces that we 
have today.
  In 2014, Stan and the rest of the Devil's Brigade travelled to 
Washington, D.C., where they were awarded with the Congressional Gold 
Medal for their heroism during the Second World War--the highest 
civilian award in the United States.
  What makes Stan special is that he is known for his Congressional 
Gold Medal and for his distinguished military service, but also for his 
creativity and his artwork that help unite his community. Most people 
in Paradise, California would surely tell you that his metal artwork 
adds a distinct personality to his small town. I consider myself 
fortunate to have known him--and our country fortunate to have gained 
such a good man from our northern Canadian neighbors. He will be 
greatly missed.

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