[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 53 (Thursday, March 23, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E247]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF ROBERT PRAETZEL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JARED HUFFMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 23, 2023

  Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Robert ``Bob'' 
Praetzel, an extraordinary conservationist, attorney, and community 
leader, who passed away on February 4, 2023, at the age of 97.
  Bob was born in San Francisco in 1925 and spent most of his life in 
Marin County, where he developed a passion for nature hiking on Mount 
Tam and fishing in San Pablo Bay. He joined the Navy during World War 
II and spent three years in the allied forces. After the war, Bob 
pursued his education at the College of Marin, UC Berkeley, and 
Hastings Law School. His professional career spanned 60-years in Estate 
Planning and Probate.
  Bob became a renowned pioneer in protecting Marin County's open 
space. As one of the lawyers who challenged the development of the 
largest real estate projects in the county, Bob is credited with 
preserving the Marin Headlands and creating the Golden Gate National 
Recreation Area. His efforts have immeasurably shaped the landscape of 
Marin and will live on through the conservation of its natural beauty 
for years to come.
  Bob was also a passionate community volunteer, serving on numerous 
philanthropic and conservation boards in Marin County. He served as 
President of the Marin Bar Association and was founder and President of 
the Estate Planning Council. Additionally, he was an active volunteer 
for many charitable organizations and worked hard to secure funding for 
environmental groups such as the Trust for Public Land, Cal Trout, 
Ducks Unlimited, Resources Renewal Institute, and the Marin 
Agricultural Land Trust.
  Bob is remembered as an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed backpacking, 
hiking, and duck hunting, and shared many adventures with his wife of 
66 years, Nancy, and their four children, Susanna, Matt, Eugenia, and 
Anne Marie. Even in his mid-90s, Bob was still active and highly 
motivated by his family, referring to them as his pride and joy. He 
leaves behind his wife, children, numerous grandchildren, and his 
siblings, Lola Saylor and Patrick Praetzel.
  Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt that Robert Praetzel was a well-
respected community figure who will be missed, and whose many 
contributions to the region are a legacy worthy of congressional 
recognition. Please join me in extending condolences to Bob's family 
and many friends, and in expressing my deep appreciation for the 
positive impact he has left on the community and the environment.

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