[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 135 (Thursday, July 30, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E704]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO BRUCE KENNETH NESTANDE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 30, 2020

  Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to 
an outstanding individual, Bruce Nestande, who passed away at the age 
of 82 on July 9, 2020. Bruce was a loving husband, father, brother, 
grandfather, an honorable veteran and an esteemed community leader. He 
will be deeply missed.
  Bruce was born and raised in Minnesota and as a child developed a 
love of baseball. A gifted athlete, Bruce nearly turned his hobby into 
a career when he was drafted to the Kansas City Athletics. He decided 
not to sign with the team and instead enrolled himself in the Reserve 
Officers' Training Program at the University of Minnesota. Bruce 
graduated with a degree in economics and following graduation continued 
his studies in Quantico, VA at the U.S. Marine Corps Officer Candidates 
School.
  After his time in Quantico, Bruce was deployed to Southeast Asia and 
upon return was stationed at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, CA. This 
sparked Bruce's love for California, the state that would be his home 
for the next 50 years. After his service in the military, Bruce began 
to work in politics. He served as a special assistant to Governor 
Ronald Reagan and later went on to run for elected office. Bruce was 
elected and served in the California State Assembly from 1974 to 1980, 
where he championed a diverse set of issues from land use to public 
safety. In 1980, Bruce was elected to the Orange County Board of 
Supervisors where he was a leader on projects that led to the 
construction of Orange County's toll roads and the maintenance of 
Riverside County's Prado Dam.
  Politics was Bruce's greatest hobby and political discussions ran 
through the Nestande household constantly. His children were well 
versed in policy issues from a young age and two even went on to follow 
his footsteps into politics. As a political leader in California, Bruce 
garnered respect across both sides of the aisle, willing to come 
together with Democrats to find common ground whenever possible. Even 
those in Sacramento he consistently sparred with had an unwavering 
respect for Bruce.
  I had the pleasure of knowing Bruce through his service to Southern 
California and can personally attest to his numerous achievements and 
the countless lives he touched. He was a great American, a true 
patriot, an esteemed leader, and a dedicated husband, father, and 
friend. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife, Pamela, to their 
children, Brian, Gabrielle, and Francesca, his siblings Jim and Linda, 
his grandchildren, and the rest of his family and friends. Bruce was 
preceded in death by his son Barry, and I find comfort in knowing the 
two of them have been reunited. Although Bruce may no longer be with 
us, he will continue to have a lasting impact on the lives of his 
family and community.

                          ____________________