By Gray H.R. No. 912 76R15010 MDM-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The passing of Rafael Marquez on March 4, 1999, at 1-2 the age of 92, has brought a great loss to the family and friends 1-3 of this beloved gentleman; and 1-4 WHEREAS, A native of Cuba, which he left prior to 1960, 1-5 Mr. Marquez joyfully embraced life in his new country and served as 1-6 an inspiration to all who knew him; and 1-7 WHEREAS, Mr. Marquez and his wife, Gloria, enjoyed a happy 1-8 and rewarding relationship that was based on a strong foundation of 1-9 mutual love, trust, and respect, and these values fostered a warm 1-10 and caring environment that nurtured their family of one son, a 1-11 daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren; and 1-12 WHEREAS, His adventurous spirit led Mr. Marquez and his 1-13 family to settle in several different areas of the United States, 1-14 including Georgia, New Mexico, and Texas; in 1977, this remarkable 1-15 gentleman and his wife made their home in Texas City, where they 1-16 lived for more than two decades before moving to Round Rock; and 1-17 WHEREAS, In his earlier years, Mr. Marquez devoted his 1-18 expertise to professions in the fields of accounting, management, 1-19 and government appointments; in his 70s, he began volunteering at 1-20 The Gulf Coast Center, a Mental Health Mental Retardation Center; 1-21 and 1-22 WHEREAS, Mr. Marquez shared his time and ample energy with 1-23 the center's sheltered workshop program located at Mainland 1-24 Industries in Texas City and became affectionately known as a "one 2-1 person public relations office" for the program and the people it 2-2 served; his commitment and enthusiasm generated outstanding 2-3 community support, contracts, and donations; and 2-4 WHEREAS, He volunteered so many hours at the center that he 2-5 was offered a paid position and embarked upon a career that brought 2-6 him much satisfaction until his reluctant retirement at the age of 2-7 87; Mr. Marquez met challenges with determination, such as his 2-8 singlehanded creation of the center's wood shop although he had no 2-9 previous knowledge of woodworking; and 2-10 WHEREAS, Those who were privileged to share the friendship of 2-11 Mr. Marquez will long miss his presence, and he will surely be 2-12 remembered with great affection and admiration for many years to 2-13 come; now, therefore, be it 2-14 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas 2-15 Legislature hereby honor the memory of Rafael Marquez and extend 2-16 sincere sympathy to his wife, Gloria; to his son and 2-17 daughter-in-law, Ralph and Rosario Marquez; to his grandchildren, 2-18 Miguel, Rafael and his wife, Connie, and Rose Churchill; and to the 2-19 many other relatives and friends of this fine man; and, be it 2-20 further 2-21 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-22 prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of 2-23 Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Rafael 2-24 Marquez.