    [Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 10, 2018)]
    [Extensions of Remarks]
    [Pages E21-E22]
    From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

                   IN RECOGNITION OF MR. GREGORY O. DIAS, JR.

                                     ______

                             HON. DAVID G. VALADAO

                                 of california

                        in the house of representatives

                          Wednesday, January 10, 2018

      Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I, along with my colleague, Representative
    Devin Nunes, rise today to honor the life of Mr. Gregory O. Dias, Jr.,
    affectionately known as ``Butch,'' who unexpectedly passed away on
    December 16, 2017.
      Mr. Gregory O. Dias, Jr. was born in Hanford, California on December
    31, 1948. His

    [[Page E22]]

    maternal grandfather bestowed the nickname ``Butch'' upon him at a
    young age and it stuck with him his entire life. Butch was the first
    born son of Gregory O. and Vivian M. Dias. He attended Kit Carson
    Elementary School and Hanford Union High School before attending
    California State University, Fresno. He was involved with his family's
    farm operation most of his life, eventually helping his parents form
    their family business, Gregory O. Dias and Sons Dairy and Farming
    Incorporated. Butch helped his parents grow the business into many
    dairies and farms throughout Kings and Tulare Counties.
      In 1974, Butch married Alice Vander Tuig in Hanford, California.
    While growing their business, the couple had three children, Rachelle,
    Darren, and Gregory. Eventually, Butch and his wife acquired Delta View
    Dairy Farming, which they renamed Rachelle's Jerseys in honor of their
    daughter, Rachelle, who lost her life in a tragic car accident.
      A third-generation dairy farmer, Mr. Dias was a great farmer and a
    true leader within the industry. He was passionate about farming, the
    land, and the animal and enjoyed working with his two sons Greg and
    Darren every day. In addition to agriculture, Butch enjoyed traveling
    the world.
      He traveled the world learning about other cultures and making
    friends, all while promoting California agriculture abroad. Butch
    enjoyed talking, visiting, entertaining, and cooking. He was a
    ``barbecue specialist'' who often volunteered to cook for family events
    and community activities. His barbecue was renown throughout the
    Central Valley. He believed one should give back to his community, and
    led by example, contributing extensively to the surrounding community.
      Mr. Dias was involved in numerous organizations throughout his life:
    4-H Mid Valley Chapter, Hanford FFA, State Champion Milk Judging Team,
    Kings County Herd Improvement Association, California Milk Advisory
    Board, Dairyman's Cooperative Creamery association, California Dairy
    Research Council, U.S. Jersey Association, Luso-American, Delta View
    School District, Widgeon Land and Cattle, Exeter Duck Club and Farm
    Credit West. Butch also bravely served his country in the Vietnam War
    as a member of the United States Navy.
      Butch is survived by his wife Alice, their sons; Darren and his wife
    Tabitha, and Gregory and his wife Melanie. Butch loved his children and
    was blessed to become a grandfather to their children, Nixon, Wren,
    Hudson, Bristol, and Reed.
      Mr. Speaker, today we ask our colleagues in the United States House
    of Representatives to join us in honoring the life of Mr. Gregory O.
    ``Butch'' Dias, Jr. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and
    friends during this difficult time.

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