Honoring the Life and Legacy of MR. Keith Anthony Bottoms

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Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Keith Anthony Bottoms, father to my long time Chief of Staff Bradley Bottoms. Throughout his life, Keith was a dedicated father, husband, and brother. His legacy of joy, his dedication to his work and family and his humor will continue to inspire us for years to come. Born in San Francisco and raised in South San Francisco, Keith married the love of his life, Caroline Connolly Bottoms, on October 25, 1980. Together, they built a life in Pacifica centered on family, on hard work, and on generosity. Keith was a proud and loving father to his daughter, Lauren Bottoms (son-in-law Andrew Stiffler), and his son, Bradley Bottoms, who has spent his career serving California as my Chief of Staff. Keith dedicated himself to ensuring his children had every opportunity, no matter what, and took immense pride in sharing their achievements with anyone who would listen. Keith believed to his core that Lauren and Bradley were the best at whatever they chose to do. And I know he was immensely proud of the children he and Caroline raised. Keith spent 42 years working as a union automotive technician, a career that reflected his work ethic, skill, and pride in repairing even the most challenging of vehicles. He was incredibly curious and wanted to know how every system and structure functioned. After he retired, he focused his skills on home improvements, confident in his abilities as a carpenter, electrician, and landscaper. To know Keith was to know his humor. He was funny, playful, and unapologetically sarcastic. He had a rare ability to connect with people--often stopping strangers on the street or at Costco just to say hello, turning quick encounters into deep conversations. He took a genuine interest in others, caring about where they came from and often asking how he could help. Everyone knew Keith--from his Pacifica neighbors, who he talked to while gardening or while working on cars, to the clerk at the local market where he purchased lottery tickets-- his curiosity and interest made a profound mark on each of them. He loved the simple things that brought him joy: long walks in San Pedro Valley Park or at the Pacifica Pier, cheering on the San Francisco Giants and 49ers, debating politics with strangers, and donating twice a week to the lottery fund. He also enjoyed international travel with Caroline and their friends. Keith also took pleasure in his daily rituals that he kept on a tight schedule even until his last days, which included providing Caroline with breakfast in bed at 6:00 am every workday, feeding the squirrels and birds in his backyard, watering the garden, and putting away his neighbor's trash cans every Wednesday morning. These small acts of service gave him purpose every day and his life gave meaning to everyone who knew him. On behalf of California's 8th Congressional District, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Bradley and Keith's family and friends on their loss. Keith's joy, humor, and work ethic have left a lasting legacy that forever bettered the lives of everyone he met.

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