[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12755]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         RICHARD (RICK) PARSLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DENNIS A. CARDOZA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, August 1, 2011

  Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today 
to honor the late Richard Parsley. Rick passed away peacefully on July 
25, 2011.
  Rick was born in Atwater, California on November 30, 1949. He 
graduated from Atwater High School. He joined the Navy at the age of 17 
and served his country with a tour of duty in Vietnam where he was 
awarded a bronze star.
  Rick began a career as a local merchant but learned that business was 
not where his passion lied and he was a person who refused to live life 
without passion. In his late 30's, he set out to become an educator, 
where he found his calling. Rick spent many years as a dedicated 
teacher, principal and administrator.
  Many people have said how Rick profoundly influenced their lives and 
they considered him to be their mentor. His pure passion for life 
inspired others to live the same way. Rick always encouraged others to 
strive for a better life. He lived a life of passion for the things he 
loved including spending time on the water in his boat with his friends 
and family.
  Though Rick's life ended much too soon, it was a life complete in so 
many ways. He is survived by the love of his life, Mae Pierini; his 
daughter Lori and Lori's husband Jason; his son Jeff and Jeff's wife 
Jen; stepsons Santi and Michael; Michael's wife Azeb; stepdaughter 
Shelli and Shelli's husband Jason; his seven grandchildren: Maren, 
Madison, Santi, Gianni, Hanna, Maya, Lucca; and so many who called him 
a friend.
  Mr. Speaker, the recognition that I am offering today before the 
House of Representatives for Richard Parsley is small compared to the 
contributions and impact he had on the lives of so many. He was truly 
an invaluable member of our community and an outstanding human being.

                          ____________________