[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 135 (Thursday, October 3, 2013)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E1430-E1431] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING WARREN HAMILTON WIDENER ______ HON. BARBARA LEE of california in the house of representatives Thursday, October 3, 2013 Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the exceptional life of Mr. Warren Hamilton Widener. Mr. Widener was an accomplished community activist, serviceman and humanitarian whose trailblazing work and strong commitment to social justice touched countless lives. As the first African-American mayor of Berkeley, Mr. Widener has left an indelible mark on the entire Bay Area community. With his passing on June 25, 2013, we look to Warren Widener's public legacy and the outstanding quality of his life's work. Warren Widener was born on March 25, 1938 in Oroville, CA, in the Sacramento Valley. As a young man, he served his country as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force, and he served his church leading the Methodist Youth Fellowship with his wife, Mary, at Downs Memorial United Methodist Church. Warren received his Juris Doctorate from Boalt Hall, School of Law. He worked as a lawyer and as President of the Urban Housing Institute before beginning his groundbreaking political career with his election to the Berkeley City Council in 1969 and his historic two-term election as the first black mayor of Berkeley, California, in 1971. As stated in the October 1971 edition of Ebony Magazine's article on Warren's historic election, The Guard Changes in Berkeley, ``Widener . . . was a somewhat shy man . . . Somewhat enigmatic, Widener was, if there was such, a cautious radical, a man who according to one of his colleagues on the council, 'is really more of a liberal in that he seems temperamentally capable of lobbying and staying cool and working patiently with political opponents' . . . '' After his last term as mayor, Warren would again return to public service with his election to the fifth district of the Alameda County Board of Supervisors in 1988, succeeding John George, the first African-American supervisor for Alameda County. A modern day renaissance man, in addition to his political career, Mr. Widener also had an appreciation and respect for the arts community and served as President of the Berkeley Repertory Theater Board from 1985 until 1986. On a personal note, I met him when I was a student during the early 70s; I admired and respected Warren's quiet strength, his bold leadership, and his commitment to our community. Warren Widener was a good friend and longtime supporter. He was a man for all seasons who lived life to its fullest and made this a better world. As [[Page E1431]] a humanitarian, Warren's tireless and successful efforts to improve his community, especially to improve the lives of the homeless following the Loma Prieta earthquake, will be long remembered. Today, California's 13th Congressional District salutes and honors an outstanding individual and a stalwart community member, Mr. Warren Widener. In addition to being a beloved husband, brother, father of three, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he was a respected colleague and dear friend. I offer my sincerest condolences to Warren Widener's extended group of loved ones and to all who benefited from his generous spirit over the course of his incredible life. Warren's legacy of compassion and concern for others will continue in the years to come. May his soul rest in peace. ____________________