[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 198 (Monday, November 15, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1232]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
REMEMBERING ROB WARREN
______
HON. ERIC SWALWELL
of california
in the house of representatives
Monday, November 15, 2021
Mr. SWALWELL. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize and celebrate the
life and works of my dear friend Robert Lorenz ``Rob'' Warren of Castro
Valley, CA, gone far too soon.
Rob was born the youngest of five sons to Annette Garin Warren and
Richard Stafford ``Dick'' Warren. Both sides of his family have called
the East Bay home since the 19th Century; Garin Regional Park,
established on his mother's family ranch, was the site of many a
gathering as Rob grew up. Grandfather E. Guy Warren with his wife,
Adair, had founded the family's ranch in Castro Valley's beautiful Cull
Canyon, where Rob and his brothers maintained ranches and together ran
a cattle company.
Rob attended Hayward's All Saints Elementary School and Moreau High
School, and then the University of California, Davis and the U.C.
Hastings College of the Law. At age 16, he was selected into the House
of Representatives Page Program--an experience that led Rob to what
would be his two lifelong loves, his wife and his devotion to public
service. It was via fellow pages in 1994 at the Pendleton Rodeo that he
met the one and only love of his life, Colleen O'Brien. They were
married four years later sharing a passion for San Francisco, hosting
big parties, travel, a tremendously close circle of friends, and
raising children in a country environment. Together they built a home
in Cull Canyon and were blessed with Julia and Max--the lights of their
lives. The four laughed, cooked, skied and went on wonderful adventures
together.
Rob was an Alameda County Assistant District Attorney, serving as
advisor to the Civil Grand Jury for much of his career. His good-
natured, easy-going, and hard-working personality was perfect for the
job. His colleagues were central to his life.
Rob lived his belief in civic engagement, selflessly serving on the
Boards of the Rowell Ranch Rodeo, Alameda County 100 Club, Eden
Hospital Medical Foundation and All Saints Masterplan. Rob was an Eagle
Scout, served on the Alameda County Democratic Central Committee and
was a Past President of the Hayward Area Historical Society. In 2017 he
was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in the Law from Moreau High
School.
As we grieve Rob's loss, I've come to realize that one of his
legacies will be all the people he connected. These seemingly countless
``Friends of Rob'' will be ever grateful that he brought together so
many of us and brightened our lives.
Rob Warren was the ultimate family man, loyal, smart, witty and a
best friend to ever so many. Brittany and I are terribly sad that our
new son, Hank Warren Swalwell, will never meet and learn from Rob, who
left us the same day Hank arrived. But in time we will realize our
lives will have more integrity, loyalty, and laughter because we knew
Rob, for he changed us all for the better. Rest in peace, my dear
friend.
____________________