[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 112 (Monday, June 28, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E708]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE OF GEORGE WILLIAM WHITMORE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 28, 2021

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of George 
William Whitmore, who passed away on January 1, 2021. George was a 
veteran of the United States Air Force, a husband, friend, and a man 
who loved adventures with nature.
  George was born on February 8, 1931 in Fresno, California to Raymond 
and Jean Whitmore. His father was a Marine during WWII and became a 
stockbroker when he got out of the service. His mother worked for 
Pacific Gas & Electric. During the Great Depression, the family moved 
to the Central Valley. George attended Salinas High School and decided 
to study at University of California, San Francisco earning a degree in 
1954 as a Pharmacist. During his spare time, George enjoyed climbing 
and later decided to join the Air Force in the medical evacuation unit 
as an aeromedical evacuation officer.
  After the Air Force, he decided to continue working as a pharmacist, 
but in the summer, he would spend his time hiking and climbing. George 
climbed the Andes in Peru and El Capitan at Yosemite with his friends, 
Warren Harding and Wayne Merry. He served in leadership roles for the 
Sierra Club, and served as a Chairman for the Tehipite Chapter based in 
Fresno, California.
  George helped establish the Kaiser Wilderness in 1976 and the 
California Wilderness Act of 1984, which added 1.8 million acres into 
the National Wilderness Preservation System. He helped protect lakes 
and block dam projects and highways and also helped prevent Walt Disney 
Co. from developing a proposed ski resort at Mineral King in the 1960s 
and '70s. It was stopped after sustained opposition by the Sierra Club 
and other preservationists, and the valley subsequently became part of 
Sequoia National Park.
  George battled cancer with his wife Nancy by his side. He and Nancy 
were together for over 40 years and were each other's best friend. 
George never lost his love for adventure. He enjoyed visiting with 
friends and he still participated in the Sierra Club meetings, 
continuing to educate people on the importance of preservation.
  He is survived by his wife, Nancy, niece Caroline and husband Bob, 
nephew Randy and his wife Betty.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of 
George William Whitmore for his service and contributions to the 
environment that surrounds us. I join his family and friends in 
celebrating George's life.

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