[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14979]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                A TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF WALTER V. CUCUK

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 2, 2012

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of 
Walter Vladimir Cucuk, who passed away on September 22, 2012 at the age 
of 80. Walt will always be remembered for his faith, his devotion to 
family, and his strong affection to farming.
  Walt was born on March 20, 1932 in Fresno, California, and spent his 
entire life in the Fresno Lone Star area. After graduating from Sanger 
High School and Reedley College, Walt served our country for two years 
in the United States Army at Fort Ord near Monterey, California. In 
1960, he married the love of his life, Barbara Erickson, and together 
they raised four children: Chris, Sheryl, Lori and Karen.
  Community service played an important role in Walt's life. As a 
Veteran, he served on the Fresno Chamber's Military Affairs Committee, 
Selective Service Board, National Guard Commission and the Association 
of the U.S. Army. Walt was also elected to the Sanger Unified School 
Board of Trustees, and served on the Fresno County Planning Commission, 
the Fresno Regional Foundation Board of Directors, and the Fresno 
Chamber Board, representing agriculture. In addition, Walt was an 
active member for the Sanger Lions Club and the Serbian Men's Club.
  One of Walt's greatest passions was farming. A proud grape, plum and 
citrus farmer, he became active in the Fresno County Farm Bureau in the 
late 1970's. Walt was encouraged to join the FCFB by members of the 
Lone Star Center, specifically his brother, Bill. Walt was honored to 
serve as President of the Fresno County Farm Bureau from 1984-1986. His 
love of the Central Valley and agriculture made him an exemplary leader 
at the Farm Bureau and during his tenure, the organization grew to 
7,900 members.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of 
Walter Vladimir Cucuk, one of Fresno's most distinguished farmers and a 
true champion for the people of the San Joaquin Valley. His leadership 
and community service made him a role model and a source of pride to 
our community. Walt's caring nature and vibrant spirit will be sorely 
missed.

                          ____________________