[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 197 (Thursday, November 19, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1058]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MIKE R. VASQUEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 19, 2020

  Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to 
an outstanding individual, Mike R. Vasquez, who passed away at the age 
of 82 on October 27, 2020. As a restaurant entrepreneur and 
philanthropist, Mike was a dedicated and integral member of the Corona 
community who will be deeply missed.
  Mike was born in Phoenix, Arizona on September 8, 1938, and was later 
raised in San Bernardino, California. Known to close friends as Mickey 
and Don Miguel, Mike met his wife Mary Sanchez during a trip to Mexico. 
In 1973, Mike and Mary moved to Corona and bought an existing 
restaurant that they re-opened as the first Miguel's full-service 
restaurant serving Mary's family recipes. Just two years later, the 
couple expanded the family business by opening their first fast food 
restaurant, Miguel's Jr. Over the decades since then, the Vasquez 
family has expanded the chain to more than 20 restaurants throughout 
southern California. The City of Corona, and its residents, are 
extremely proud to be home to the original Miguel's restaurants and 
they are second to none in the quality of food and service.
  As a hard-working small business owner, Mike became increasingly 
active in his community throughout his life. He was incredibly generous 
to both his employees as well as causes and organizations throughout 
our region. In recognition for their significant contributions, Mike 
and Mary were selected as Citizens of the Year in 2009 by the Corona 
Chamber of Commerce.
  As a fellow Corona resident and small business owner, I had the 
pleasure of knowing Mike and his family and I can personally attest to 
his numerous achievements and the countless lives he touched. He was a 
great American, a leader in our community, and a dedicated husband, 
father, and friend. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife, 
Mary, to their children, Eva, Danny, Michael, Carol, Sylvia, and 
Javier; and 14 grandchildren. Although Mike may no longer be with us, 
he will continue to have a lasting impact on the lives of his family 
and community.

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