R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The passing of Merle LaRue Olson on June 3, 1998, at 1-2 the age of 68, brought a great loss to the family and friends of 1-3 this respected Austin resident; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Born in Austin on December 18, 1929, Mr. Olson 1-5 attended The University of Texas at Austin after graduating from 1-6 Austin High School in 1948; on March 14, 1952, he married the 1-7 former Donna Mae Lindgren and together they enjoyed a loving 1-8 relationship that spanned more than 46 years and was blessed with 1-9 three children; and 1-10 WHEREAS, Mr. Olson worked for his father at Southern 1-11 Investment Company and Olson Motors and Appliances and eventually 1-12 became the owner of those family businesses; during their 62 years 1-13 of operation on East Sixth Street, the establishments served some 1-14 33,000 customers, and their closing in March 1998 marked the end of 1-15 an era for Mr. Olson and his family; and 1-16 WHEREAS, An active member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church, this 1-17 dedicated gentleman served as an usher, as a committee member, and 1-18 as treasurer and president of the endowment fund; in addition, he 1-19 was involved in the VASA Club and the Texas Swedish Chamber of 1-20 Commerce, and through these esteemed organizations his pride in his 1-21 Swedish heritage was most visible; and 1-22 WHEREAS, Although Mr. Olson will long be missed, his memory 1-23 will endure in the hearts and minds of all who were privileged to 1-24 know him for many years to come; now, therefore, be it 2-1 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas 2-2 Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Merle LaRue Olson and 2-3 extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, 2-4 Donna; to his daughters and sons-in-law, Cindy Olson Ridge and 2-5 Rance Ridge, Rue Olson Dwyer and Peter A. Dwyer, and Kristy Olson 2-6 Compton and John Compton; to his grandchildren, Logan Russell 2-7 Ridge, Jordan Avery Dwyer, Johannah Ansley Dwyer, and McKenna Kasey 2-8 Compton; and to the many other relatives and friends of this 2-9 beloved gentleman; and, be it further 2-10 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-11 prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas 2-12 House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of 2-13 Merle LaRue Olson. Janek _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 779 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 8, 1999. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House