R E S O L U T I O N

 1-1           WHEREAS, Othal Brand has distinguished himself as an astute

 1-2     businessman, a dedicated public servant, and a valued citizen of

 1-3     McAllen, and his many accomplishments are deserving of special

 1-4     recognition; and

 1-5           WHEREAS, Mr. Brand grew up in Georgia during the Great

 1-6     Depression, and it was at this time that he developed the

 1-7     remarkable work ethic that has characterized all his endeavors; an

 1-8     entrepreneur from a young age, he first came to McAllen in the

 1-9     1930s as a representative of the produce business he formed with

1-10     his brothers; and

1-11           WHEREAS, A veteran of World War II, Mr. Brand served with

1-12     distinction in the United States Marine Corps across the South

1-13     Pacific, achieving the rank of sergeant major, and on his return

1-14     stateside he married his wife Kay, who has remained by his side for

1-15     more than half a century; and

1-16           WHEREAS, In the 1950s the young couple moved to McAllen, and

1-17     Mr. Brand began his rise to prominence as one of the Rio Grande

1-18     Valley's best known businessmen; the president and chairman of the

1-19     board of Griffin & Brand of McAllen, Inc., he continues to direct

1-20     the company's affairs with his customary vigor; and

1-21           WHEREAS, Mr. Brand's commitment to the well-being of his

1-22     fellow McAllen residents is aptly reflected in his long record of

1-23     service to the town; in addition to his 20-year tenure as mayor, he

1-24     also served as a city commissioner and as a school board member,

 2-1     and his dynamic approach to city government has earned him an

 2-2     enduring place in the area's history; and

 2-3           WHEREAS, Throughout his career, Mr. Brand has drawn strength

 2-4     and inspiration from his wife Kay, and they take great pride and

 2-5     satisfaction in their close-knit family; and

 2-6           WHEREAS, Othal Brand has left his distinctive mark on the

 2-7     history of McAllen, and generations of Texans to come will

 2-8     undoubtedly benefit from his farsighted leadership of the city;

 2-9     now, therefore, be it

2-10           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas

2-11     Legislature hereby honor Othal Brand for his many contributions to

2-12     the McAllen community and extend to him sincere best wishes for

2-13     continued success and happiness in the years to come; and, be it

2-14     further

2-15           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

2-16     prepared for Mr. Brand as an expression of high regard by the Texas

2-17     House of Representatives.

                                                                   Gutierrez

                                             _______________________________

                                                   Speaker of the House

               I certify that H.R. No. 1282 was adopted by the House on May

         30, 1997, by a non-record vote.

                                             _______________________________

                                                 Chief Clerk of the House