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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E704]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO BRUCE KENNETH NESTANDE
______
HON. KEN CALVERT
of california
in the house of representatives
Thursday, July 30, 2020
Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to
an outstanding individual, Bruce Nestande, who passed away at the age
of 82 on July 9, 2020. Bruce was a loving husband, father, brother,
grandfather, an honorable veteran and an esteemed community leader. He
will be deeply missed.
Bruce was born and raised in Minnesota and as a child developed a
love of baseball. A gifted athlete, Bruce nearly turned his hobby into
a career when he was drafted to the Kansas City Athletics. He decided
not to sign with the team and instead enrolled himself in the Reserve
Officers' Training Program at the University of Minnesota. Bruce
graduated with a degree in economics and following graduation continued
his studies in Quantico, VA at the U.S. Marine Corps Officer Candidates
School.
After his time in Quantico, Bruce was deployed to Southeast Asia and
upon return was stationed at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, CA. This
sparked Bruce's love for California, the state that would be his home
for the next 50 years. After his service in the military, Bruce began
to work in politics. He served as a special assistant to Governor
Ronald Reagan and later went on to run for elected office. Bruce was
elected and served in the California State Assembly from 1974 to 1980,
where he championed a diverse set of issues from land use to public
safety. In 1980, Bruce was elected to the Orange County Board of
Supervisors where he was a leader on projects that led to the
construction of Orange County's toll roads and the maintenance of
Riverside County's Prado Dam.
Politics was Bruce's greatest hobby and political discussions ran
through the Nestande household constantly. His children were well
versed in policy issues from a young age and two even went on to follow
his footsteps into politics. As a political leader in California, Bruce
garnered respect across both sides of the aisle, willing to come
together with Democrats to find common ground whenever possible. Even
those in Sacramento he consistently sparred with had an unwavering
respect for Bruce.
I had the pleasure of knowing Bruce through his service to Southern
California and can personally attest to his numerous achievements and
the countless lives he touched. He was a great American, a true
patriot, an esteemed leader, and a dedicated husband, father, and
friend. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife, Pamela, to their
children, Brian, Gabrielle, and Francesca, his siblings Jim and Linda,
his grandchildren, and the rest of his family and friends. Bruce was
preceded in death by his son Barry, and I find comfort in knowing the
two of them have been reunited. Although Bruce may no longer be with
us, he will continue to have a lasting impact on the lives of his
family and community.
____________________