[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18066]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      A TRIBUTE TO BOB THOMAS, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GREG WALDEN

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 8, 2008

  Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Madam Speaker, I rise today to draw our 
colleagues' attention to a gentleman and outstanding citizen who has 
demonstrated that long-term success is possible in America if one has a 
vision and is willing to work hard to turn it into reality. This 
gentleman has also devoted himself to the principles we celebrate here 
in our country--freedom to build a successful business, and loyalty to 
family and community.
  Today I pay special recognition and honor to Bob Thomas, Sr., of 
Baker County, OR, a genuine ``up by the bootstraps'' livestock producer 
who never lost his vision for what the Angus cattle breed could become; 
a dedicated husband to his wife, Gloria, with whom he raised four very 
successful children; a leader in his church, community, and industry--
and a gentleman whose friends and neighbors have always been able to 
rely on.
  Bob and Gloria moved to the Baker Valley of picturesque eastern 
Oregon in the early 1960's from New York, via Iowa. With them came 
their treasured seed stock for their line of Angus beef cattle. In the 
winter, Gloria fed the cows with young son Rob in the pickup. Bob was 
also working as a sales representative for Powder River Equipment, 
selling gates and ranch equipment to supplement their ranch income. 
They worked very hard to achieve their dream--a high quality herd of 
registered Angus cattle.
  Their first purebred Angus sale was held in October, 1973 and 
throughout the years Bob and Gloria always made everyone feel like they 
were special to them because, in fact, they were special to them. Now, 
nearly 35 years later, that same high quality Angus breeding stock is 
sold in a 2-day sale in October, as well as a spring sale in March.
  The Thomas family still shows the same hospitality and personal 
attention today as they did at their very first sale. Following in the 
footprints of Bob and Gloria, son Rob and his wife Lori continue the 
Thomas tradition as highly respected leaders in their industry and 
community. They maintain the same unwavering commitment to the high 
quality of their Angus line and service.
  Madam Speaker, I want to especially honor Bob for his many years of 
dedication to and support of the people of Baker County and the rural 
way of life in eastern Oregon. His fellow citizens greatly appreciate 
his high principles, commitment to high quality and standards, and his 
friendship. Please join me in congratulating and thanking Bob Thomas, 
Sr.

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