[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E720]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





       HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. KEITH ANTHONY BOTTOMS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 21, 2026

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Mr. Keith Anthony Bottoms, father to my long time Chief of Staff 
Bradley Bottoms. Throughout his life, Keith was a dedicated father, 
husband, and brother. His legacy of joy, his dedication to his work and 
family and his humor will continue to inspire us for years to come.
  Born in San Francisco and raised in South San Francisco, Keith 
married the love of his life, Caroline Connolly Bottoms, on October 25, 
1980. Together, they built a life in Pacifica centered on family, on 
hard work, and on generosity. Keith was a proud and loving father to 
his daughter, Lauren Bottoms (son-in-law Andrew Stiffler), and his son, 
Bradley Bottoms, who has spent his career serving California as my 
Chief of Staff. Keith dedicated himself to ensuring his children had 
every opportunity, no matter what, and took immense pride in sharing 
their achievements with anyone who would listen. Keith believed to his 
core that Lauren and Bradley were the best at whatever they chose to 
do. And I know he was immensely proud of the children he and Caroline 
raised.
  Keith spent 42 years working as a union automotive technician, a 
career that reflected his work ethic, skill, and pride in repairing 
even the most challenging of vehicles. He was incredibly curious and 
wanted to know how every system and structure functioned. After he 
retired, he focused his skills on home improvements, confident in his 
abilities as a carpenter, electrician, and landscaper.
  To know Keith was to know his humor. He was funny, playful, and 
unapologetically sarcastic. He had a rare ability to connect with 
people--often stopping strangers on the street or at Costco just to say 
hello, turning quick encounters into deep conversations. He took a 
genuine interest in others, caring about where they came from and often 
asking how he could help. Everyone knew Keith--from his Pacifica 
neighbors, who he talked to while gardening or while working on cars, 
to the clerk at the local market where he purchased lottery tickets--
his curiosity and interest made a profound mark on each of them.
  He loved the simple things that brought him joy: long walks in San 
Pedro Valley Park or at the Pacifica Pier, cheering on the San 
Francisco Giants and 49ers, debating politics with strangers, and 
donating twice a week to the lottery fund. He also enjoyed 
international travel with Caroline and their friends. Keith also took 
pleasure in his daily rituals that he kept on a tight schedule even 
until his last days, which included providing Caroline with breakfast 
in bed at 6:00 am every workday, feeding the squirrels and birds in his 
backyard, watering the garden, and putting away his neighbor's trash 
cans every Wednesday morning. These small acts of service gave him 
purpose every day and his life gave meaning to everyone who knew him.
  On behalf of California's 8th Congressional District, I extend my 
heartfelt condolences to Bradley and Keith's family and friends on 
their loss. Keith's joy, humor, and work ethic have left a lasting 
legacy that forever bettered the lives of everyone he met.

                          ____________________