[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 5, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E133]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE OF ROBERT ``BOB'' M. SANDERS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 2020

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of 
my friend, Mr. Robert ``Bob'' M. Sanders, who passed away on December 
17, 2019. Bob was a selfless public servant and hardworking American 
citizen, who left an impact on those who had the pleasure of knowing 
him.
  Bob was born in Tulare, California and raised in Merced. He graduated 
from Merced High School and went on to attend California Polytechnic 
University, San Luis Obispo. Bob joined the California National Guard 
and attended artillery school in Fort Still, Oklahoma. On his flight 
home after his initial service, he was seated next to California 
Assemblyman Gordan Winton, which would send his career path in a new 
direction. Assemblyman Winton hired Bob as his aide in his Sacramento 
office and he also worked on his campaign in 1966. After Assemblyman 
Winton declined to run for reelection, Bob ran for the seat himself. 
During the 1968 California primary, Bob traveled the Central Valley 
with presidential candidate Robert Kennedy, one of his most treasured 
memories.
  Bob met the love of his life, Suzanne White while they both worked 
for the United Teachers of Los Angeles. Bob eventually moved on to work 
as Chief of Staff for Los Angeles City Councilman Zev Yaroslavsky. 
Later in life, he worked for Rusty Areias and served as my first 
district director after my election to the House of Representatives. 
Assembly Speaker's Office and the Senate Democratic Caucus. Bob's 
impressive career made him a well-respected figure in California 
politics.
  Outside of politics, Bob enjoyed poetry, sports, and wrote scripts, 
directed and did voiceovers for military training films. Bob loved his 
family most of all and enjoyed being around his beloved friends. His 
knowledge of political trivia and baseball statistics was unmatched.
  Bob was preceded in death by his father Marvin, mother Anna, and his 
younger sister, Jo Anna.
  Bob is survived by his wife, Suzanne, daughter Erica, by his brothers 
Jim and Jeff, and his many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of 
my dear friend, Robert ``Bob'' M. Sanders. His commitment and 
dedication to the State of California was clear. We join his family and 
friends in honoring his great life.

                          ____________________