Tribute to Mr. Aubrey Boozer, Jr.

TRIBUTE TO MR. AUBREY BOOZER, JR.-HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN (Extensions of Remarks - February 26, 2004)

HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN
OF SOUTH CAROLINA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2004

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to insert into the RECORD, two tributes to Mr. Aubrey Boozer, Jr., of Austin, Texas, who passed on December 23, 2003. While I did not personally know Mr. Boozer, his son, Lyndon K. Boozer, has been a great friend since I arrived in Washington almost twelve years ago. Lyndon often spoke of his father and the profound impact that he had on his life. Two tributes follow, which I believe capture the true essence of a life well lived. The first is the eulogy which Lyndon delivered at the memorial service for his dad, and, the second is the obituary which appeared in the Austin American Statesman.

MY DAD
(By Lynden K. Boozer, December 30, 2003.)

"As you know, my Dad recently moved to DC. About a month ago, he was over for Thanksgiving Dinner.

After getting everyone's attention-he commanded it-he told this story he had heard from LBJ Ranch foreman Dale Malechek about a preacher at a Bar B Que. Now I won't tell this story as well as Dad because he was a master storyteller-one of the best. But it seems the Reverand was thanking the Lord for the Blessings and went on and on and on. Finally, after about 10 minutes, Dale turns over to Dad and says: "You reckon the Bar B Que ain't done yet?"

That was the last story I remember him tell, and I remember it like yesterday. Dad liked to keep things simple. And short. So we won't keep you from your Bar B Que today, but I just wanted to share a few of my favorite things about Dad because he had 78 full years of life.

He liked Westerns, Cowboys and old War movies, maybe because it reminded him of his days in the Navy. WW II he used to call it, the only "good" war.

He loved to cook-and he was a master in the kitchen. Laura and I used to wake up on Sunday mornings to the wafting aroma of bacon and eggs, biscuits and cream gravy. For most of his adult life, we remember him as a big, authoritative man. He was strong willed and stubborn which meant it was "his way or the hightiway." His way was usually right.

Even though his body gave out this year, his mind and spirit were still tough as nails. He organized his move to Washington like he did everything else, with precision and fortitude. He didn't look back. His goodbyes were short. I suspect it was because he knew he'd be back soon.

Beneath his tough exterior and grumpy ways was a kind heart that overshadowed his modest outward appearance. He didn't care about much except his family and his close friends whom he tested on a regular basis. He loved his dogs whom he entrusted to Laura. They are alive and well.

He loved my Mother deeply, and she was his axis of life. A close relative said, "Well, you know why he died before Christmas? He wanted to spend it with your Mom." There's some truth to that...

They were so different but were there for each other through it all-Houston where they met, New York City where they loved, Washington, DC where they grew, Mexico City where they enjoyed and finally Austin, Texas where they settled down and raised a family.
And after Mom died in 1998, he visited this very grave site almost every week until his health was too poor. Our friends here at Cook Walden remember, especially Evelyn Williams.

He never stopped wanting the best for Laura and me. And he was proud of us I'm told. He wouldn't say so to us but we knew it because everyone always said so.

He was truly a Classic, a stand up guy, funny and honest and a straight shooter. Independent, And a proud Democrat. He didn't mince words and in this day of political correctness, he was a refreshing opinion.

His values were ones to live by, and we will. We miss you Dad, and will think of you every day. While we cannot cheat father time, the past lives within us and is eternal in our hearts and minds. You will always be remembered.

We love you, Pops.

[From the Austin American Statesman, December 28, 2004, Obituary.]

AUBREY BOOZER, JR.

Aubrey Boozer, Jr. was born in Clint, Texas. He was reared in Houston, Texas, having attended John Reagan High School, graduating in 1942. He immediately volunteered for military service. After serving his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he enrolled at Southwestern University, Georgetown, Texas, in 1946 where he was President of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, and a varsity basketball player. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree and graduated in 1951.

Aubrey held various positions in government service, including a post at the United Nations in New York City, with the Civil Service Commission, then with the Treasury Department in Washington, D.C., and the Office of Economic Opportunity with the Johnson Administration. He and his wife, Yolanda, who was on the staff of President Lyndon B. Johnson, lived in Washington, D.C. during the 60s. He subsequently served in the U.S. Foreign Service at posts in the U.S. Embassy, Mexico City, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and wartime Saigon, South Vietnam, where he was Special Assistant to the Ambassador. He was awarded a commendation from the U.S. Army for "Outstanding Work and Cooperation with All Government Agencies and the Vietnamese Government for Community Relations in the City of Saigon."

After service to his country for the second time in Vietnam, he operated restaurants in Austin, Waco, Temple and College Station, Texas, for the Monterey House Mexican Foods, Inc. He was also Vice President of Operations for the company in Houston, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Yolanda Boozer; and by his Mother and Father. He had no brothers or sisters. Survivors are Lyndon, a son who resides in Washington, D.C.; a daughter, Laura of San Francisco, California; and two grandchildren, Jordan and Kyle. He is also survived by cousins, JoAnn Harris, Charles Hale, Alec Hale Reid, and Amy; and nieces, Diane VanHootegem, Christine Rayburn and Rosalind Johansson, all of whom he cared for very much.

Mr. Speaker, thank you for this opportunity to honor the life of Mr. Aubrey Boozer. I ask that my colleagues join me in expressing condolences to this fine family.

END