By Uher H.R. No. 622 76R6122 MDM-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The family and many friends of former State 1-2 Representative G. R. "Bob" Close were greatly saddened by his 1-3 passing on October 19, 1998, at the age of 68, and we join them in 1-4 mourning the loss of this notable Texan; and 1-5 WHEREAS, Mr. Close began his college education at Texas Tech 1-6 University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business 1-7 administration and lettered in football each of his four years 1-8 there; he continued his pursuit of academic excellence at The 1-9 University of Texas, obtaining a degree in law and graduating with 1-10 honors; and 1-11 WHEREAS, During his successful legal career, he was a partner 1-12 in the Perryton firm of Lemon, Close, Atkinson, Shearer and 1-13 McCutcheon and served with distinction for 12 years as county 1-14 attorney in Ochiltree County; he also generously shared his 1-15 business expertise as director of a savings and loan association in 1-16 Perryton; and 1-17 WHEREAS, Mr. Close was committed to public service and worked 1-18 diligently for the good of his constituents in District 64, a 1-19 10-county Panhandle region; this fine gentleman served three terms 1-20 in the Texas House of Representatives, helping to steer the 1-21 Constitutional Revision Committee as vice chairman and contributing 1-22 his talent to the Natural Resources and Local and Consent Calendar 1-23 committees; and 1-24 WHEREAS, In 1980, he joined Governor Bill Clements's staff as 2-1 assistant legislative liaison representative and worked with both 2-2 houses of the legislature on issues of concern to Texans; and 2-3 WHEREAS, Mr. Close was a highly valued member of his 2-4 community and this state, and he made significant contributions to 2-5 bettering the quality of life for all Texans; though his presence 2-6 will be deeply missed by those fortunate enough to have known him, 2-7 he will surely be remembered with great admiration for many years 2-8 to come; now, therefore, be it 2-9 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas 2-10 Legislature hereby pay tribute to The Honorable G. R. "Bob" Close 2-11 and extend sincere sympathy to all his many loved ones; and, be it 2-12 further 2-13 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-14 prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of 2-15 Representatives adjourns this day, it do so memory of G. R. "Bob" 2-16 Close.