A Tribute to Gene Glasco, “Mr. Arcadia”

Good evening, Mayor, Councilmembers, and residents of Arcadia. My name is Burton Brink, candidate for Arcadia City Council in District 2. And as you just heard from Raymond, on August 29th at 1.45 p.m. we lost Gene Glasgow. I lost a friend, and Arcadia lost a hero. Mr. Arcadia. Hearing that name, and he loved that name. Gene and I both grew up in Arcadia. We went to the same schools. Highland Oaks, Woodhills Junior High, and Arcadia High School. Though not at the same time, he was a few years ahead of me. We lived just a few blocks away from each other. We spoke often about growing up here and how great it was, and all the different changes we have seen throughout the city, through the years throughout the city. He was always humble, and he never made it about himself. He served in the Vietnam War. He was a riverboat gunner. He served in the U.S. Navy, and served our country well. Like so many who came home, he carried the war with him. Agent Orange later brought cancer and Parkinson's to his body. He fought those battles the same way he lived, with quiet courage. When he came home, he kept serving Arcadia. He served 12 years as our elected city clerk. He volunteered many hours as a volunteer and patrol support VIPS member with the Arcadia Police Department. He always put our city first. One of the things he will be remembered most is the Vietnam War monument at Arcadia County Park off of Huntington Drive. One of the things he will be remembered, or Gene sat at the counter at Rodge across the street, looking at the clarion at the park, and drew his vision on a napkin. Eight months later, the monument was built. It honors 14 Arcadia boys who went to Vietnam and never came home. Gene made sure we would not forget their names. Gene did all that work. Our Arcadia Elks Lodge, my wife and I, and many others were among the donors for that memorial. Tonight, I am wearing this Vietnam Memorial shirt in honor of Gene and our boys that never made it home. I was proud to stand with Gene at so many community events. He showed us what love for Arcadia looks like. Please remember his partner, Anu, who stood with him for more than 50 years. Tonight, my heart is broken. Arcadia lost a dear friend, a Vietnam veteran, and one of the finest public servants. Gene, thank you for your friendship. Thank you for everything you did for the city of Arcadia. You will be missed. You will not be forgotten. Rest in peace, my friend. Thank you, sir.