[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 185 (Wednesday, November 8, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1078]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING MR. WILLIAM THOMAS CHARTRAND

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                         HON. DAVID G. VALADAO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 8, 2023

  Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. 
William Thomas Chartrand, who tragically passed away on October 3, 
2023. at the age of 82.
  Mr. Chartrand was born in Troy, New York to Ernest and Eva Chartrand. 
He was the middle of five children. From an early age, he learned the 
values of hard work and perseverance, spending his youth working on a 
farm in upstate New York. Mr. Chartrand joined the U.S. Navy shortly 
after high school, where he served as a jet engine mechanic. Mr. 
Chartrand retired having achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer. Some 
of his fondest memories were from his time spent as a navigator on an 
A-3 Skywarrior Aircraft. During his more than twenty years of service, 
he developed lifelong friendships with his fellow officers, and kept in 
close contact with them throughout his life.
  After retiring from the Navy, Mr. Chartrand moved to Hanford, where 
he attended College of the Sequoias and earned his associate of arts 
degree. He was later hired by Sears, Roebuck and Co., and received 
training in appliance repair in Los Angeles and Chicago. After a long 
career with the company, Mr. Chartrand started his own appliance repair 
business in Hanford. Mr. Chartrand was passionate about helping his 
friends and family with their appliances and continued to lend a 
helping hand in his retirement. This past May, Mr. Chartrand and his 
wife. Velma, celebrated 36 years of marriage, Together, they devoted 
themselves to their Christian faith. Mr. Chartrand served on the 
Diaconate for First Baptist Hanford in his later years. He is 
remembered by his loved ones and members of the Hanford community for 
his kind spirit and compassion for everyone he crossed paths with.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives 
to join me in honoring the incredible life of Mr. William Thomas 
Chartrand. His service to our country, commitment to his family, and 
dedication to the Central Valley community will be felt for generations 
to come. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this 
difficult time.

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