Paul T. Veluzat Honored by Congress
Newhall, California

April 1, 2001: Linda Lambourne (right), representing U.S. Rep. Howard P. "Buck" McKeon, R-Santa Clarita, presents a copy of the Oct. 28, 2000 Congressional Record and an American flag flown over the capitol in honor of Paul T. Veluzat to Melody Ranch owners Andre (left) and Renaud Veluzat during the City of Santa Clarita's 8th annual Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival.

Congressional Record Proceedings and Debates of the 106th Congress, Second Session
Vol. 146	WASHINGTON, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2000	No. 138

A COWBOY'S LAST RIDE HON. HOWARD P. "BUCK" McKEON OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Thursday, October 26, 2000     Mr. McKEON.  Mr. Speaker, family and friends recently said their final goodbyes to 101-year-old Paul T. Veluzat, one of the last of the American cowboys. He leaves behind a great legacy.     Paul's travels as a cowboy and a shrewd businessman began on Dec. 6, 1898, when he was born in Summershade, Ky. At age 17 he went to work in a shipyard, then made his way to Texas where he joined the Texas Rangers. Paul was one of the first people to board the German submarine that sank the Lusitania, an event that precipitated the United States' entry into World War I.     Paul's love of horses led him back and forth to Mexico, where he rode with the revolutionary, Francisco "Pancho" Villa. He eventually came to California where he worked as a bodyguard to industrialist J. Paul Getty and evangelist Aimee Semple MacPherson. He became a devout Christian — something his family and friends said was one of the most important aspects of his life. He purchased real estate throughout the Los Angeles area, including a ranch he called the "Diamond V"1 in Saugus where he ran cattle, and raised racehorses.		Paul's passion for horses was as strong as his passion for filmmaking. The Veluzat family owns Melody Ranch2, home to over 750 "B" western movies as well as other notable films and television shows such as the beloved Gunsmoke. "Last Man Standing" starring Bruce Willis was recently filmed there.     Paul was very successful. He and his first wife, Opal, were simple and down-to-earth, they were astute in business and had unquestionable integrity. Paul's word was his bond. Ninety percent of his business was conducted by a handshake or over the phone. Paul's true success was measured by his deep spirituality and the love and respect he gained from his family and his many friends. He will be remembered as a generous man who was liked by all.     Paul Veluzat is survived by his wife of 14 years, Rosa; his sons, Rene, Andre and Renaud; four grandchildren, Daniel, Paul, and Marcel Veluzat and Shantel Hudson; three great-grandchildren; and many, many friends.
Webmaster's Notes 1. Diamond V is correct; due to a typographical error, the Congressional Record actually says, "Diamond B." 2. Two of Paul T. Veluzat's three sons, Andre and Renaud, own Melody Ranch. Photo by Leon Worden.