[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 163 (Friday, October 14, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1050]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LIFE OF ERNEST SAUL COWELL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TED LIEU

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 14, 2022

  Mr. LIEU. Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life of Mr. Ernest 
Saul Cowell, a longtime community member and veteran leader in 
California's 33rd Congressional District, who passed away on July 26, 
2022 at the age of 95. Ernest passed away after a short battle with 
lung cancer with his loving wife, Patricia, by his side and is preceded 
in death by his daughter.
  Ernest was born in Los Angeles in 1927 to Ernest and Beatrice Cowell 
and was raised in San Francisco. At the age of 16, with his mother's 
permission, Ernest joined the United States Army and served in the 
Pacific Theater with the Army Infantry as a Private First Class. Ernest 
was on active duty during the Korean and Vietnam Wars and was a former 
Prisoner of War. He was honorably discharged on November 3, 1946, then 
served in the Army Air Corps reserves until September 11, 1949. 
Following his discharge from the Army, Ernest served in the United 
States Navy Reserve from March 15, 1950, to October 2, 1982, and 
retired a Lt. Commander from the Inactive Reserve in 1984. Ernest 
received several medals and citations during his service to our county, 
including the Bronze Star with ``V,'' two Purple Hearts, the 
Meritorious Service Medal, and the Korean War medal.
  After World War II, Ernest attended the University of California, Los 
Angeles (UCLA), where he received his bachelor's degree in Business in 
1950. Ernest later obtained his master's degree and a certification in 
Urban Planning. Ernest began his career by working for an international 
lighting company, then later developed and managed his own company, 
Lighting Designs Inc., where he provided architectural lighting designs 
for residential, commercial, and institutional properties. During his 
career, Ernest was invited to lecture on architectural lighting at 
UCLA.
  Throughout the years, Ernest became a vigorous supporter of veterans' 
rights and benefits. For over 15 years he volunteered at Employer 
Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense office 
which promotes cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component 
Service members and their civilian employers. For his years of support, 
Ernest was recognized as the ESGR's ``Top Volunteer.'' To further honor 
veterans, Ernest was an early, if not founding member, of the Los 
Angeles National Cemetery Support Foundation. Ernest was the 
foundation's first President Emeritus and served as President numerous 
times. Ernest's other philanthropic efforts include his support to the 
American Legion Ronald Reagan--Palisades Post 283, Ronald Reagan 
Division--United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Los Angeles Police 
Department, and the Valley Forge Freedom Foundation.
  Ernest and his wife of ten and a half years, Patricia, had an active 
life together. They enjoyed traveling, entertaining at home, and 
gardening. Ernest and Patricia were inseparable, they enjoyed each 
other's company, and were very happy together.
  Ernest was beloved by his comrades in the American Legion, his co-
volunteers at ESGR, the Los Angeles National Cemetery Support 
Foundation, and by the many organizations he aided over the decades. 
His passing leaves a hole that cannot be filled. Ernest is survived by 
his wife Patricia, two sons in Denver, and cousins in San Francisco. 
May Ernest's legacy as a veteran and community advocate live on through 
his work and all those he touched throughout his life.