The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE LIFE OF ERNEST SAUL COWELL
______
HON. TED LIEU
of california
in the house of representatives
Friday, October 14, 2022
Mr. LIEU. Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life of Mr. Ernest Saul Cowell, a longtime community member and veteran leader in California's 33rd Congressional District, who passed away on July 26, 2022 at the age of 95. Ernest passed away after a short battle with lung cancer with his loving wife, Patricia, by his side and is preceded in death by his daughter.
Ernest was born in Los Angeles in 1927 to Ernest and Beatrice Cowell and was raised in San Francisco. At the age of 16, with his mother's permission, Ernest joined the United States Army and served in the Pacific Theater with the Army Infantry as a Private First Class. Ernest was on active duty during the Korean and Vietnam Wars and was a former Prisoner of War. He was honorably discharged on November 3, 1946, then served in the Army Air Corps reserves until September 11, 1949. Following his discharge from the Army, Ernest served in the United States Navy Reserve from March 15, 1950, to October 2, 1982, and retired a Lt. Commander from the Inactive Reserve in 1984. Ernest received several medals and citations during his service to our county, including the Bronze Star with ``V,'' two Purple Hearts, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Korean War medal.
After World War II, Ernest attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he received his bachelor's degree in Business in 1950. Ernest later obtained his master's degree and a certification in Urban Planning. Ernest began his career by working for an international lighting company, then later developed and managed his own company, Lighting Designs Inc., where he provided architectural lighting designs for residential, commercial, and institutional properties. During his career, Ernest was invited to lecture on architectural lighting at UCLA.
Throughout the years, Ernest became a vigorous supporter of veterans' rights and benefits. For over 15 years he volunteered at Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense office which promotes cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers. For his years of support, Ernest was recognized as the ESGR's ``Top Volunteer.'' To further honor veterans, Ernest was an early, if not founding member, of the Los Angeles National Cemetery Support Foundation. Ernest was the foundation's first President Emeritus and served as President numerous times. Ernest's other philanthropic efforts include his support to the American Legion Ronald Reagan--Palisades Post 283, Ronald Reagan Division--United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Los Angeles Police Department, and the Valley Forge Freedom Foundation.
Ernest and his wife of ten and a half years, Patricia, had an active life together. They enjoyed traveling, entertaining at home, and gardening. Ernest and Patricia were inseparable, they enjoyed each other's company, and were very happy together.
Ernest was beloved by his comrades in the American Legion, his co-
volunteers at ESGR, the Los Angeles National Cemetery Support Foundation, and by the many organizations he aided over the decades. His passing leaves a hole that cannot be filled. Ernest is survived by his wife Patricia, two sons in Denver, and cousins in San Francisco. May Ernest's legacy as a veteran and community advocate live on through his work and all those he touched throughout his life.
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 163(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 163(2)
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