[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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