[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 8167-8168]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       IN HONOR OF EDWIN E. BLISS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 19, 2009

  Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a great American and 
community servant, Edwin E. Bliss of Carmel, California for his 
lifetime of achievements and service above self. Edwin is a highly 
respected long time resident of the Monterey Peninsula. All of us who 
have had the good fortune over the years to befriend him, know that 
Edwin always exhibits his core values of respect, truth, and goodness.
  Edwin Earl Bliss was born in Ridgefield, Washington near Portland, 
Oregon on March 19, 1919. The son of a successful dairy rancher and 
respected school teacher, Edwin displayed uncommon leadership skills 
early and often. Editor in high school, fraternity president in college 
and manager of the Charlton Hotel in Cannes, France while serving as an 
Army officer during World War II, Edwin led others by example, humility 
and compassion.
  After the war, Ed moved his small family from rural Washington State 
to quiet Carmel. Called back into the Army to serve in Korea he moved 
his wife and three children back to Washington to be near family and 
friends. Upon his release from the military, Ed returned his young 
excited family permanently back to the Monterey Peninsula.

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  Here Edwin lives the American dream, raising a wonderful family, 
building a beautiful home and selflessly serving his community. Edwin 
Bliss's sense of honesty and respect has guided and propelled him 
through a successful career in the insurance industry and community 
service. Leadership with the Pacific Grove Kiwanis, the USO, YMCA and 
the Life Underwriters Association are just some of the many boards he 
has served on. But his greatest community love is the Monterey History 
and Art Association. As a long time board member and President from 
1964-65 he was instrumental in laying the early groundwork to establish 
the Monterey Maritime Museum. While a board member for the National 
Trust for Historic Preservation, Edwin helped place the Cooper-Molera 
Adobe in Monterey on the National Registry of Historic Places. In 
addition, Edwin served on the first board to insure the preservation of 
Robinson Jeffers' Tor House.
  Perhaps Edwin's greatest social love has been the Ancient and 
Honorable Society of Buckeye. Founded by close friend and then State 
Senator, Fred S. Farr, Ed has been its guiding light for over fifty 
years. This annual gathering of ranchers, fishermen, politicians, 
musicians, doctors, lawyers, educators and businessmen has given rise 
to local legends and many community events.
  Madam Speaker, Edwin Bliss's accomplishments are distinguished and 
numerous. Edwin has lived an exemplary life grounded in truth, goodness 
and respect for others. I know my fellow members join me in 
congratulating him on his 90th birthday.

                          ____________________