Pelosi Floor Speech Honoring the Life of Frank Montgomery Woods, Jr.

Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi spoke on the House floor today honoring the life of Frank Montgomery Woods, Jr. Below are the Leader's remarks:

"Mr. Speaker: Today, at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, hundreds of friends will join the family members to pay tribute to the life of a great entrepreneur, philanthropist and gentleman, Frank Montgomery Woods, Jr. I rise on the floor of the House to join them in spirit, to share in the grief of Frank Woods' beautiful family, to celebrate his life and legacy. With his passing, we have lost not only a good man, but a remarkable innovator who leaves an indelible mark on California and San Francisco.

"Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, he spent his childhood in Birmingham, Alabama, and Nashville, Tennessee, before heading to Cornell University. After that, he served as a Second Lieutenant in the Army in Korea. From Korea it was on to Cincinnati – our Speaker's hometown – where he joined the advertising and marketing department of Proctor & Gamble.

"After that, he came to San Francisco – home for me – to start his own successful business. In 1961, Frank met Kay Harrigan of Alabama in San Francisco. They married a year later in Mobile, and then had three beautiful children: Dorine, Montgomery and Alexis.

"During the 1960s and 70's, Frank was deeply involved in politics. Although a Republican, he was tapped to serve on Ronald Reagan's "Democrats for Reagan" gubernatorial campaign in Northern California. He was tapped again by Ronald Reagan – putting him in charge of 11 states at the convention, helping him to secure delegates. Reagan lost to Richard Nixon at that time, but Frank went on to work with Governor Reagan, and my statement for the record will describe how.

"He went later on to co-found Clos du Bois winery in California, which was consumer friendly and elegant – a combination that was new. His leadership in the wine industry was recognized across our country. Over the years, he chaired the Wine Institute. In the 1990s, he represented the U.S. in negotiations with NAFTA and GATT on the subject of wine.

"In San Francisco, he was a leader of the arts, serving on the boards of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, the Young Audiences of San Francisco, and the L.S.B. Leakey Foundation.

"Frank's life will be celebrated today for his accomplished legacy as an energetic and generous leader. My husband Paul and I, and our entire family offer our deepest sympathy for the loss of our dear friend. We hope it is a comfort to Kay, their children and grandchildren, his brother Bill and sister Rhoda, and all of Frank's family that so many people across the country and across the world share in their grief, and are praying for them at this sad time.

"Thank you Mr. Speaker."

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