[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 92 (Friday, June 20, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1316]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN HONOR OF MR. LLOYD MONSERRATT
______
HON. XAVIER BECERRA
of california
in the house of representatives
Thursday, June 19, 2003
Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, we, Ms. Roybal-Allard, Ms. Solis, and
myself, rise today with emotions mixed with fond memories and profound
sadness to pay tribute to a dear friend and people's champion, Mr.
Lloyd Monserratt. Six months ago, on January 9, 2003, Lloyd
unexpectedly passed away. His loss was a sudden and tragic one for all
of us--we lost an inspirational leader. This upcoming Sunday, June 22,
2003, we will have an opportunity to remember Lloyd and honor his life
when the community gathers to break ground for The Lloyd Monserratt
Pleasant House, a transitional living program designed to prevent
foster youth from becoming homeless by providing them with a stable and
secure environment; a fitting tribute to a great man.
After 36 short but accomplished years of life, Lloyd Monserratt is
survived by his mother, Olga Monserratt; his brother, Ernie Monserratt;
his grandmother Consuelo Recalde; and his fiancee, Michele Ramos. Lloyd
was predeceased by his father, Carlos Monserratt.
Those of us who are fortunate to have called Lloyd friend remember
him as a man who had passion for life, as a gentle man, and as someone
who was always there for you with an enormous smile and a warm embrace.
He devoted his life to helping others in the greater Los Angeles area
and across the country. By using politics as a vehicle for change,
Lloyd labored tirelessly to empower poor and underrepresented
individuals to work together and make a difference in their own
communities. Lloyd treated everyone with respect and made it his
personal mission to provide opportunities, training and jobs for youth.
Through his work and boundless love, Lloyd gave life to countless
people. The lessons Lloyd shared and example he set will continue to
live on--through the many family members, friends, young people,
community activists and elected officials whose lives Lloyd touched--
long after he has left us.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all who loved and respected him, we
respectfully submit into the Congressional Record the following tribute
to Lloyd Monserratt, shared by his family at his funeral on January 18,
2003 at All Souls Church in Alhambra, CA.
Los Angeles has lost an angel--Lloyd Monserratt, altar boy,
eagle scout, soccer coach, umpire, community organizer, chief
of staff, and young political leader.
Lloyd Monserratt, the child of Carlos and Olga Monserratt,
was born on December 3, 1966 at California Hospital in Los
Angeles, California. A love and respect for the community was
instilled in Lloyd early in life. As a 9-year old, Lloyd
attended his first protest alongside his father in his
hometown of Alhambra.
Lloyd was born to lead; he ran his first political campaign
while in the seventh grade where he was successful in getting
himself elected to be All Souls Elementary School Student
Body President. As a boy scout, he reached the rank of
Eagle Scout with Boy Scout Troop #203, and while in
college Lloyd became one of the few Latino USAC Presidents
at UCLA. An active member of the University of California
Student Association, he organized students across the
state.
Lloyd was a role model. He was an altar boy at All Souls
Church. He was a member of several of All Souls' sports
teams. He played T-ball, little league, and West Valley AYSO
soccer. Lloyd was the assistant coach of his brother Ernie's
soccer team. He later became a little league umpire for
several years for West Alhambra Little League. As an All
Souls Panther, Lloyd earned MVP honors for ``B'' basketball
and took his team to the city championship.
Lloyd attended Saint Francis High School where he was an
honor student. As a senior in high school, Lloyd applied to
only one college--UCLA. Lloyd was proud to be a Bruin. He was
a leader in the student movement, as a student commissioner
and later student President, and as a MEChA leader and co-
founder of MEChA class.
Lloyd was the community. He created the Parents Institute
while working for Los Angeles School Board Member Vicki
Castro, and designed the National Association for Latino
Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) national program for
newly elected and appointed officials. Widely respected and
admired by all who met him, Lloyd gave people the tools to
change their lives. He made a difference in the lives of
youth, seniors, and residents across the state. A community
organizer and political veteran, he managed and directed
political campaigns from San Diego to San Francisco and
beyond. As a Latino Campaign Director for the Democratic
Congressional Campaign Committee, he led all six of his
congressional candidates to victory simultaneously. As a
chief of staff to Los Angeles City Councilman Nick Pacheco,
he impacted countless people across the eastside and
northeast Los Angeles. Lloyd can be remembered as a
motivator, a peace keeper, a visionary, and a gentle man.
Lloyd was the heart of the district, and the heart of
Councilman Pacheco's office. He was the visionary, the mover,
the motivator and the implementer.
Lloyd made a lasting impact on everyone he met. Lloyd
accomplished more in 36 years than many others accomplish in
three lifetimes. Lloyd was a leader of his generation. We
will miss him greatly.
Mr. Speaker, the voice of family always speaks with conviction and
from the heart. The sentiments expressed by Lloyd's family are also
ours. We, too, know them to be true. We wish to thank Father Richard
Estrada of Jovenes, Inc., for our newly named The Lloyd Monserratt
Pleasant House. June 22 offers us another chance to commemorate the
life of our friend Lloyd Monserratt.
Mr. Speaker, we ask that all of our colleagues join with us today to
salute Mr. Lloyd Monserratt and honor his life. He will forever remain
in our thoughts.
____________________