[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 116 (Thursday, July 14, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E732]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LIFE OF GILBERT FRANK COELHO

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 14, 2022

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Gilbert 
Coelho, long-time resident of Firebaugh, who passed away at age 80 on 
April 15, 2022. He was a strong man of faith and an excellent example 
of a man of great character.
  Gilbert was born in San Leandro, California. He was one of four 
children born to Otto and Alice Coelho, and they were raised on the 
family dairy farm in Dos Palos. Gilbert was involved in 4H and FFA 
where he raised and showed animals with his brothers. He worked on the 
family farm until the 1960's and at Eagle Field and then on to custom 
farming with his father in the Hilmar area.
  Eventually, Gilbert worked with Western Farm Service, TRI Farms, and 
Del Monte Fresh Produce. He became a melon growing and harvesting 
specialist, and a well-respected Pest Control Advisor. Gilbert retired 
in 2009 and continued with agricultural consulting part-time.
  In the Dos Palos/Firebaugh area, Gilbert met Carol Cunha, the love of 
his life, and they married in November of 1973. Two years later, they 
made their home in Firebaugh, where they raised their children and 
attended St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Gilbert was an active member and 
served on the church finance council and the bereavement committee.
  Gilbert gave back to his community and served on the City of 
Firebaugh/School District Community Recreation Commission and acted as 
President of the local Lions Club. He was also a member of the 
Firebaugh Service Club, Knights of Columbus and Firebaugh Rotary Club. 
He volunteered for countless local community activities and was always 
ready to assist. Another passion he displayed for over 37 years was his 
role as School Board Member and President of the Firebaugh-Las Deltas 
Unified School District Board. He was also a delegate to the California 
School Boards Association and an Executive Board Member for the Fresno 
County Trustees association.
  Gilbert helped to establish the Westside Institute of Technology 
which provided invaluable job training to local youth. He developed the 
Firebaugh High School Ag Department Almond Orchard, farming it with the 
staff and youth of the community. He could always be seen working the 
Orchard and serving his community.
  Gilbert is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Carol; three 
children, five grandchildren, three siblings, five in-laws, and many 
nieces and nephews.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of 
Gilbert Frank Coelho. May he be remembered as an inspiration for all 
who knew him.

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