[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8083]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                            LAWRENCE KESTER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 12, 2010

  Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I stand here today to honor and remember a 
loving father and husband, respected citizen and dedicated public 
servant, Mr. Lawrence Kester.
  Lawrence was killed on duty May 7, 2010, while driving a San 
Bernardino County public transit bus, in Rialto, California. He was 47 
years old.
  He was the victim of a senseless stabbing attack by a mentally ill 
passenger. Although Lawrence did not survive the attack his passengers 
escaped traumatized but unscathed.
  Fifteen years ago, Lawrence began working for the public transit 
system and went on to become one of the best regarded drivers in San 
Bernardino, as well as a great friend to the community.
  He was well respected by his customers and colleagues alike, 
commended on numerous occasions for his consummate professionalism and 
attention to security.
  Most recently, he was awarded the elite ``Million Mile Club'' 
membership which is reserved for drivers who have driven more than one 
million passenger miles in safety.
  Lawrence is remembered as a Good Samaritan and trusted friend. He was 
the kind of man who would chip in for people when they didn't have 
enough change for the fare and generously greet customers as they 
entered and exited, wishing them a nice day.
  Lawrence is survived by his wife, Misty, and 8 children. Lawrence and 
Misty celebrated their 12th anniversary of marriage last week and the 
family just recently spent a weekend at Disneyland together.
  Let us take the time to pay tribute to this wonderful man. Let us 
celebrate the life he lived and the example he led.
  Although he is no longer with us, his noble nature and loving 
kindness will continue to live on through the lives of everyone he 
touched.
  The thoughts and prayers of my wife Barbara, my family and I are with 
his family at this time.
  Madam Speaker, let us pay our respects to Lawrence Kester. He will 
always have a place in our memories and hearts for everything he gave 
to his family and community.

                          ____________________