The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE LIFE OF JOHNNY DENIZ
______
HON. JIM COSTA
of california
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, November 30, 2021
Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Johnny Deniz. Johnny passed away on September 24, 2021. He was 90 years old. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean war, and after returning home, dedicated his life as a farmer in the Counties of Madera and Fresno.
Johnny was born on July 24, 1931 to Manuel and Rosa Deniz. He was raised in Madera, California.
Growing up, he went to Dixieland Grammar School and Madera High School. During school, he was elected President of the Madera F.F.A. Later, he served the Madera F.F.A. as Secretary of State and was awarded the American F.F.A. Degree. Johnny attended Fresno State University for a degree in engineering, but was soon drafted into the Army and served as Military Police Officer in Europe.
After serving in the military, Johnny returned back home and he married his first wife, Wilma. He became a dedicated farmer in the Counties of Madera and Fresno, in which he grew multiple crops such as tomatoes, cotton, stone fruit, and table and wine grapes. Johnny was a successful businessman and established the Madera Pump Company, Almond Tree Hauler Inc., and Deniz Packing Inc. His work for the protection of Madera County's water supply left a legacy in which he dedicated 24 years of service as a Director, and 15 years as President, of the Madera Irrigation District.
Johnny remarried in 2009 to his wife Dorie and continued the dedicated work for his community. In 2010, he was awarded Senior Farmer of the Year in the County of Madera for his dedication and hard work with the water district and for helping the needs of others. As one who was always civically engaged, he belonged to the Knights of Columbus as a 4th degree knight; the Madera County Farm Bureau; the Elks Club; and last but not least, the Veterans of Foreign Wars. His contributions and efforts on behalf of these organizations, made a lasting impact on the Valley.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Johnny Deniz. His service and contributions to the Central Valley and the State of California will be missed. I join his family and friends in celebrating Johnny's life.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 206
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