Floor SpeechNeutral2026-05-13

HONORING THE LEGACY OF JOHN "PHIL" LARSON

TaxesCrime & JusticeVeteransInfrastructureAgriculture

Context

On 2026-05-13, Representative Jim Costa (D-CA-21) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LEGACY OF JOHN "PHIL" LARSON" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING THE LEGACY OF JOHN "PHIL" LARSON

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 81 (Wednesday, May 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E437-E438] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LEGACY OF JOHN ``PHIL'' LARSON ______ HON. JIM COSTA of california in the house of representatives Wednesday, May 13, 2026 Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life of John ``Phil'' Larson, a devoted father, friend, and public servant, who passed away on April 23, 2026, at the age of 92. Phil was born on September 5, 1933, in San Fransico, California, alongside his twin brother, Don Larson. He was raised on his family's farm near Kerman, California, where he developed his deep faith, humility, and tireless work ethic that would guide him throughout his life. After graduating from Kerman High School in 1951, he went on to further his education at Fresno State and Point Loma University. In 1953, Phil answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. He served honorably until 1956, including two winters in Korea, and completed his reserve service in 1961. His time in uniform reflected his lifelong commitment to service and sacrifice. Phil met his wife, Joyce Henriksen, through Fresno First Covenant Church. They were married on March 21, 1959, at Kingsburg Mission Covenant Church, beginning a 67-year marriage grounded in faith, partnership, and devotion. Together, they raised two children, Tim and Lisa, and built a life centered on family and community. Phil dedicated much of his career to agriculture, beginning on his family's farm near Kerman before joining Wilbur-Ellis company in 1963. Spending over 38 years with the company, he built a reputation for integrity, expertise, and lasting relationships, retiring in 2000. Beyond his professional work, Phil's leadership in agriculture was widely recognized through his service on the Fresno County Farm Bureau Executive Board, including two years as president, where he advocated on critical water issues affecting California's Central Valley. In 2002, Phil was elected to the Fresno County Board of Supervisors, representing District One. As a steady and principled leader, he expanded services in underserved communities, improved libraries, supported educational partnerships, and contributed to infrastructure projects like Veterans Boulevard. Even after he left the board in 2015, he remained committed to enhancing life across western Fresno County. As a proud alumnus, Phil received the President's Medal of Distinction from California State University, Fresno, in 2014, for his lifetime of service. Above all, Phil was a man of strong faith and unwavering dedication to his family. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; children, Tim and Lisa; grandchildren, Tanner, Haylee, and Lindsey; and five great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Olive, and his brothers, Galen and Don. [[Page E438]] Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of John ``Phil'' Larson. His legacy of faith, service, dedication to agriculture and commitment to family and community will undoubtedly continue to inspire all who knew him. ____________________

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HONORING THE LEGACY OF JOHN "PHIL" LARSON Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 81 (Wednesday, May 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E437-E438] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LEGACY OF JOHN ``PHIL'' LARSON ______ HON. JIM COSTA of california in the house of representatives Wednesday, May 13, 2026 Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life of John ``Phil'' Larson, a devoted father, friend, and public servant, who passed away on April 23, 2026, at the age of 92. Phil was born on September 5, 1933, in San Fransico, California, alongside his twin brother, Don Larson. He was raised on his family's farm near Kerman, California, where he developed his deep faith, humility, and tireless work ethic that would guide him throughout his life. After graduating from Kerman High School in 1951, he went on to further his education at Fresno State and Point Loma University. In 1953, Phil answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. He served honorably until 1956, including two winters in Korea, and completed his reserve service in 1961. His time in uniform reflected his lifelong commitment to service and sacrifice. Phil met his wife, Joyce Henriksen, through Fresno First Covenant Church. They were married on March 21, 1959, at Kingsburg Mission Covenant Church, beginning a 67-year marriage grounded in faith, partnership, and devotion. Together, they raised two children, Tim and Lisa, and built a life centered on family and community. Phil dedicated much of his career to agriculture, beginning on his family's farm near Kerman before joining Wilbur-Ellis company in 1963. Spending over 38 years with the company, he built a reputation for integrity, expertise, and lasting relationships, retiring in 2000. Beyond his professional work, Phil's leadership in agriculture was widely recognized through his service on the Fresno County Farm Bureau Executive Board, including two years as president, where he advocated on critical water issues affecting California's Central Valley. In 2002, Phil was elected to the Fresno County Board of Supervisors, representing District One. As a steady and principled leader, he expanded services in underserved communities, improved libraries, supported educational partnerships, and contributed to infrastructure projects like Veterans Boulevard. Even after he left the board in 2015, he remained committed to enhancing life across western Fresno County. As a proud alumnus, Phil received the President's Medal of Distinction from California State University, Fresno, in 2014, for his lifetime of service. Above all, Phil was a man of strong faith and unwavering dedication to his family. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; children, Tim and Lisa; grandchildren, Tanner, Haylee, and Lindsey; and five great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Olive, and his brothers, Galen and Don. [[Page E438]] Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of John ``Phil'' Larson. His legacy of faith, service, dedication to agriculture and commitment to family and community will undoubtedly continue to inspire all who knew him. ____________________