[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11901]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MR. AUSTIN SIMON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 9, 2008

  Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life 
of Mr. Austin Simon. A pioneer and man of great distinction, Mr. Simon 
was the first African-American Postmaster in the 9th Congressional 
District. We lost our beloved Austin Simon on May 5, 2008. Known as 
``Si'' to his loved ones, Mr. Simon lived a full and vibrant 81 years, 
and although his presence will be sorely missed among his family and 
friends, his legacy will continue far into the future.
  Austin Simon was born in 1926 in Lake Charles, Louisiana, to Seymour 
and Mary Simon. Mr. Simon was a retired M.S.C. Postmaster in the Bay 
Area and was the first African-American to head both the Richmond and 
Oakland, California offices. The sheer substance of such an incredible 
life accomplishment attests to Mr. Austin's vitality and energy. He 
experienced firsthand some of the most important and dynamic moments in 
the struggles of African-Americans in our country throughout the last 
century. Mr. Austin was indeed on the frontlines of history, breaking 
the glass ceiling for generations of African-Americans pursuing careers 
in the United States Post Office.
  In addition to a distinguished career in the postal service, Mr. 
Simon served his country in the United States Army during World War II. 
In his community, Mr. Simon participated as an active and committed 
Mason for more than 50 years and served as the Honorary Grand Master of 
the Hiram of Tyree Grand Lodge of California. He was also a member of 
the Stars of Love No. 22 Order of the Eastern Star for 50 years.
  Even in his retirement, Mr. Simon was incredibly energetic and proved 
to be an inspiring role-model throughout his life. Mr. Simon knew the 
importance of community stewardship and creating lasting relationships 
with his fellow man. After moving to Las Vegas in 1996, Mr. Simon was 
quick to become engaged in his new community and search out new ways to 
contribute to society. In Las Vegas, Mr. Simon became a member of the 
Alpha Lodge No. 75, which he helped establish into a reputable and 
impressive organization. He led his fellow Alpha Lodge No. 75 members, 
dedicating his time and efforts as District Deputy Grand Master.
  It is obvious that Mr. Simon's lifelong profession was to help others 
achieve their dreams and accomplish their goals. A dedicated family 
man, Mr. Simon balanced his personal, professional, and political 
dedications so that all who were fortunate enough to know this great 
man could benefit from his compassion and warmth.
  A pillar of strength and historic figure in our community, Mr. Simon 
will be sorely missed. However, we are thankful for the opportunities 
he gave us to come together and celebrate the hope and love in our 
lives. As we say goodbye to him, we have been given yet another 
opportunity to reflect on the rich past of the African-American 
community and the tumultuous American century which defined our 
heritage, diligence, and hopes for the future.
  Austin Simon's legacy will surely live on through all who knew him, 
and all who know of his great accomplishments. Today, California's 9th 
Congressional District salutes and honors Mr. Austin Simon. We extend 
our deepest condolences to his family, especially his wife of 39 years, 
Mrs. Bertha L Simon, his daughter Linda Duhon, and his sons Austin Jr., 
Ricky, Anthony, Aaron, Christopher, Marcus, Gregory, Cedric, and Kevin. 
His legacy will live on through his siblings, grandchildren, great-
grandchildren, nephews, nieces, godchildren, in-laws, and loving 
friends. May his soul rest in peace.

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