The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE LIFE OF GEORGE WILLIAM WHITMORE
______
HON. JIM COSTA
of california
in the house of representatives
Monday, June 28, 2021
Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of George William Whitmore, who passed away on January 1, 2021. George was a veteran of the United States Air Force, a husband, friend, and a man who loved adventures with nature.
George was born on February 8, 1931 in Fresno, California to Raymond and Jean Whitmore. His father was a Marine during WWII and became a stockbroker when he got out of the service. His mother worked for Pacific Gas & Electric. During the Great Depression, the family moved to the Central Valley. George attended Salinas High School and decided to study at University of California, San Francisco earning a degree in 1954 as a Pharmacist. During his spare time, George enjoyed climbing and later decided to join the Air Force in the medical evacuation unit as an aeromedical evacuation officer.
After the Air Force, he decided to continue working as a pharmacist, but in the summer, he would spend his time hiking and climbing. George climbed the Andes in Peru and El Capitan at Yosemite with his friends, Warren Harding and Wayne Merry. He served in leadership roles for the Sierra Club, and served as a Chairman for the Tehipite Chapter based in Fresno, California.
George helped establish the Kaiser Wilderness in 1976 and the California Wilderness Act of 1984, which added 1.8 million acres into the National Wilderness Preservation System. He helped protect lakes and block dam projects and highways and also helped prevent Walt Disney Co. from developing a proposed ski resort at Mineral King in the 1960s and '70s. It was stopped after sustained opposition by the Sierra Club and other preservationists, and the valley subsequently became part of Sequoia National Park.
George battled cancer with his wife Nancy by his side. He and Nancy were together for over 40 years and were each other's best friend. George never lost his love for adventure. He enjoyed visiting with friends and he still participated in the Sierra Club meetings, continuing to educate people on the importance of preservation.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy, niece Caroline and husband Bob, nephew Randy and his wife Betty.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of George William Whitmore for his service and contributions to the environment that surrounds us. I join his family and friends in celebrating George's life.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 112
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