[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21469]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              A TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF DAVID LOWRY WIDELL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 20, 2011

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleagues Mr. Thompson, 
Mr. Farr, Mr. Miller, Mr. Garamendi, and Mr. Cardoza to pay tribute to 
the life of David Lowry Widell who recently passed away at the age of 
44. His advocacy and passion for Central California's wetlands, 
wildlife, and water issues made him a distinguished community leader 
and notable conservationist. He served our great state in a number of 
capacities, most recently as the General Manager and Governmental 
Affairs Director for the Grassland Water District.
  Dave was born on May 17, 1967 in Watsonville, California, and was 
raised in the agriculturally rich city of Los Banos, California. Dave 
grew up hunting and fishing, and it was at this time that his deep 
appreciation for the Valley's wildlife and resources developed. His 
love of the Valley led to a fulfilling career, one where he was able to 
seek political solutions to some of Central California's most pressing 
issues.
  Dave's reverence for the San Joaquin Valley was enhanced by the 
knowledge he gained through his education. Upon graduating from Los 
Banos High School in 1985, Dave studied at Modesto Junior College, and 
then transferred to the University of California, Davis, where he 
earned a Bachelor's degree in History in 1990.
  Dave spent his adult life working in the public's best interests. He 
served our nation in the United States Air National Guard and served 
our state in several capacities, such as a field representative for 
former Assembly Member Rusty Areias, and later as Assistant Secretary 
at the California Resources Agency. Dave also worked for the City of 
Los Banos as Planning Commissioner, and Director of the Merced County 
Farm Bureau Board. In 1992, Dave joined the Grassland Water District 
and served as Assistant General Manager.
  Prior to returning to the Grassland Water District in 2007 as General 
Manager, Dave dedicated his time to a number of organizations, and 
served in a number of roles, including Chief Deputy Director of 
Governmental Affairs at the California Waterfowl Association and as 
Director of Conservation Policy for Ducks Unlimited. Dave's breadth of 
experience gave him a unique combination of intellect and enthusiasm, 
which allowed him to serve the San Joaquin Valley--and its people, 
water, and wildlife--with tact and influence.
  Whether he was working on issues important to the Valley or spending 
time with his son Ty, currently a student at Purdue University, Dave 
lived a full and rich life. His dedication and service will leave a 
lasting legacy, and we will miss his insights and his humor.
  Mr. Speaker, we ask our colleagues to join us in paying tribute to 
the life of David Lowry Widell, a respected and joyous man with a 
steadfast commitment to protecting the Central Valley's natural 
resources.

                          ____________________