[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 206 (Tuesday, November 30, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1282-E1283]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF JOHNNY DENIZ

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 30, 2021

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Johnny 
Deniz. Johnny passed away on September 24, 2021. He was 90 years old. 
He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean war, and after returning 
home, dedicated his life as a farmer in the Counties of Madera and 
Fresno.
  Johnny was born on July 24, 1931 to Manuel and Rosa Deniz. He was 
raised in Madera, California.
  Growing up, he went to Dixieland Grammar School and Madera High 
School. During school, he was elected President of the Madera F.F.A. 
Later, he served the Madera F.F.A. as Secretary of State and was 
awarded the American F.F.A. Degree. Johnny attended Fresno State 
University for a degree in engineering, but was soon drafted into the 
Army and served as Military Police Officer in Europe.
  After serving in the military, Johnny returned back home and he 
married his first wife, Wilma. He became a dedicated farmer in the 
Counties of Madera and Fresno, in which he grew multiple crops such as 
tomatoes, cotton, stone fruit, and table and wine grapes. Johnny was a 
successful businessman and established the Madera Pump Company, Almond 
Tree Hauler Inc., and Deniz Packing Inc. His work for the protection of 
Madera County's water supply left a legacy in which he dedicated 24 
years of service as a Director, and 15 years as President, of the 
Madera Irrigation District.
  Johnny remarried in 2009 to his wife Dorie and continued the 
dedicated work for his community. In 2010, he was awarded Senior Farmer 
of the Year in the County of Madera for his dedication and hard work 
with the water district and for helping the needs of others. As one who 
was always civically engaged, he belonged to the Knights of Columbus as 
a 4th degree knight; the Madera County Farm Bureau; the Elks Club; and 
last but not least, the Veterans of Foreign Wars. His contributions and 
efforts on behalf of these organizations, made a lasting impact on the 
Valley.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of 
Johnny Deniz. His service and contributions to the Central Valley and 
the State of California will be missed. I join his family and friends 
in celebrating Johnny's life.

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