[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 132 (Wednesday, July 28, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E833]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE OF JOHN ``JAY'' KALPAKOFF

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 28, 2021

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of John 
``Jay'' Kalpakoff. Jay passed away on June 16, 2021. Jay was a selfless 
husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
  Jay was born on November 8, 1948 in Los Angeles, California where he 
was raised. He became a third-generation garbage collector, as part 
owner of Metropolitan Waste. Jay was a boss who enjoyed helping his 
employees through sponsoring many local sports teams and would help 
with scholarships to encourage continuing education.
  When Jay decided to move to the Central Valley with just one truck, 
he had a dream. Jay hoped to one day own his own garbage collection 
company. Through dedication and perseverance his goal was achieved, and 
Mid Valley Disposal was established. His dream was to have the ability 
to continue to give back to his community. Jay cherished his business 
and was an integral part of its day to day operations. Jay treated all 
his employees like his own family, and he cherished each of the local 
communities that his company served.
  Jay was known for having a huge heart and always giving back to 
others, whether through this philanthropy or just lending a helping 
hand. He lived to see the community around him thrive and it was 
apparent as he gave back to local charities and food banks, to name a 
few. He made friends everywhere he went and loved to tell stories.
  Jay was truly an inspiration and he moved many with his wisdom, 
character and humor. But the most important thing to him, was his 
family. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Natalie; 
children Joshua, Jonathan, Joseph, Tatiana, Justin; his daughter-in-law 
Wendy and his grandchildren Harrison, Remy and Cash.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of 
John ``Jay'' Kalpakoff. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. 
I join his family and friends in honoring and celebrating his life.

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