[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14759]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO GERALD WILLIAM BEARD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GARY G. MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 29, 2010

  Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay 
tribute to Mr. Gerald William Beard, a small business pioneer who 
helped shape the history and economy of San Bernardino County, 
California.
  In 1973, San Bernardino County wasn't much more than tumbleweeds, 
sleepy farm towns and seemly endless, desolate highways that connected 
Los Angeles to the rest of the country. To the causal observer at the 
time, much of this vast track of arid land could be considered 
inhospitable and worthless.
  But Mr. Beard saw something different when he arrived. He understood 
the economic potential San Bernardino County had to offer as the 
gateway to Southern California and the Pacific Ocean. He knew this 
inexpensive land--nestled along the snow covered caps of the San 
Bernardino Mountains--was a great opportunity for countless families to 
realize the American dream of homeownership.
  So in 1973, Mr. Beard founded Gerald W. Beard Realty, Incorporated 
and with it pinned his own hopes and dreams on changing this forgotten, 
barren land into the economic powerhouse and success it is today.
  Because of Mr. Beard's hard work and true American entrepreneurial 
spirit, thousands of homeowners and business owners have benefited. And 
this once mostly desert land has given way to a vibrant community and a 
place millions call home.
  As Mr. Beard enters the sunset of his life with his loving wife, 
Cherrell, at his side and reflects on his enormous accomplishments, his 
legacy continues with his children, Bradley, Scott G., Scott C., 
Kimberly and Michael, and the countless people he has helped.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that we all stand to recognize the service, 
passion and dedication of a great American--Gerald William Beard--and 
wish him many more years of health and happiness.

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