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