[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17240]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING VICE MAYOR OF THE RIPON CITY COUNCIL, ELDEN ``RED'' NUTT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF DENHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 8, 2014

  Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of the Vice 
Mayor of the Ripon City Council, Elden ``Red'' Nutt, who passed away 
November 21, 2014.
  Elden ``Red'' Nutt was born on May 19, 1937 and raised in Fowler, 
California. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1954 and worked as 
a boiler operator on the USS Hornet (CVA-12).
  Red's long history of service to the community of Ripon first started 
in 1965 when he was hired as a Ripon police officer. Red later became a 
sergeant in 1972 and was appointed police chief in 1982. He served as 
chief until retiring in 1991.
  Red was appointed to the Ripon planning commission in 2002 and first 
elected to the city council in 2004, serving stints as vice mayor and 
mayor. While on the City Council, Red served on various committees and 
commissions, most notably the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFco) 
where Red served as Board Chairman.
  Notable projects completed during Red's tenure include: Main Street & 
Stockton Ave. Enhancements, Mistlin Softball Fields, purchase of 
Ripon's first bus and the start of a fixed route transit service, 
Stanislaus River Bike Path, Boesch and Lan Parks, City Hall & Police 
Department expansion, annual fireworks show made possible by community 
donations, Veterans Museum and memorial wall, and the Police Memorial.
  Red's involvement in the community went far beyond his role on the 
City Council. Red served as the post commander for the American Legion 
Post 190 in 2004-2005, and again in 2010-2011. Red also served as the 
president of the Ripon Lions Club, was a two-time past president of the 
Ripon Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and auxiliary member of 
the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1051. Red also volunteered his time 
with the Friends of the Library and the Ripon Historical Society, 
serving as a docent at the Veterans Museum.
  Red and his wife Bonnie have been married for 55 years. They have 
raised three children, John, Debbie, and Diane. They have six 
grandchildren and one great grandchild. After retirement, Red enjoyed 
spending time with his wife traveling the country in their RV and 
collecting antiques.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating the life of Ripon City 
Council Vice Mayor Elden ``Red'' Nutt and all of his admirable 
contributions to the safety and betterment of his community.

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