[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 43 (Monday, March 8, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E210]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING BOB SMITTCAMP

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DEVIN NUNES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 8, 2021

  Mr. NUNES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a San 
Joaquin Valley legend, Robert Smittcamp, who passed away on March 4, 
2021, at the age of 79. I am deeply saddened by Bob's passing.
  Bob was a one-man Valley institution. A businessman, philanthropist, 
and community activist, he headed both Lyons Magnus food company and 
Wawona Packing. He had a particular passion for expanding healthcare 
access and improving education, donating millions of dollars to enhance 
both sectors throughout the Valley.
  I'm lucky to have had Bob as a close friend and mentor. I was among 
countless Valley residents who frequently turned to him for advice on 
Valley issues. His assistance was invaluable on critical issues such as 
the Valley water crisis and the 2008 recession.
  Bob and I also spent many hours discussing how to bring high-quality, 
affordable healthcare to every Valley family. I valued his insights on 
that question because he developed innovative ways to provide 
healthcare for his employees, who he always viewed as part of his own 
family. I'm convinced Bob's approach provides a model for drastically 
improving healthcare for the entire country.
  Bob epitomized all the virtues of the San Joaquin Valley. He was 
always available to help those of us who sought his guidance. But if 
you were looking for someone to sugarcoat a tough situation, then Bob 
was not your best option. He was an honest straight-shooter who'd give 
you candid answers whether you wanted them or not. That's why I always 
consulted him when I had especially tough problems that needed 
realistic solutions.
  Bob's love for the Valley ran deep, and the region is richer in 
countless ways thanks to his contributions. He created jobs, ran 
companies that fed millions of people, shared his wisdom and experience 
with anyone who asked, generously funded deserving community 
institutions, and raised an exceptional family.
  Bob was simply irreplaceable. He'll be deeply missed, but he leaves 
behind an incredible legacy of hard work, success, and unconcealed 
passion for the Valley and its people. I offer my deepest condolences 
to his wife Annette, his children Brent, Lisa, and Brandon, and the 
rest of his family.

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