By Walker H.R. No. 304
77R6398 JKB-D
R E S O L U T I O N
1-1 WHEREAS, The passing of A. Wayne Wyatt of Lubbock on December
1-2 5, 2000, at the age of 65, brought much sadness to the family,
1-3 friends, and colleagues of this esteemed gentleman; and
1-4 WHEREAS, A native Texan, Mr. Wyatt was born in Girard on
1-5 August 5, 1935; he remained committed to preserving his beloved
1-6 homeland throughout his life, enjoying a career in groundwater
1-7 management that would span more than four decades; and
1-8 WHEREAS, This civic-minded individual began his work as a
1-9 field representative for the High Plains Underground Water
1-10 Conservation District No. 1; he was also employed as the manager of
1-11 the South Plains Underground Water Conservation District No. 4, as
1-12 a member of the Texas Water Development Board staff, and for the
1-13 last 22 years as a general manager of the High Plains Water
1-14 District; and
1-15 WHEREAS, Respected throughout the state for his extensive
1-16 knowledge on the geology and hydrology of the Ogallala Aquifer,
1-17 Mr. Wyatt was often called upon to consult with organizations and
1-18 planning committees; he was also known for his frequent visits with
1-19 farmers and ranchers in the area, welcoming their questions and
1-20 concerns about the groundwater supply; and
1-21 WHEREAS, This estimable gentleman earned several honors from
1-22 many noteworthy groups, including the Professional Man of the Year
1-23 Award from the Region One Texas Soil and Water Conservation
1-24 District, the Gerald W. Thomas Award for Outstanding
2-1 Agriculturalist, the Bureau of Reclamation's Citizen Award, the
2-2 Professional Agriculture Workers Award, and the Texas Agricultural
2-3 Irrigation Association's Industry Achievement Award; and
2-4 WHEREAS, Mr. Wyatt's dedication to preserving the natural
2-5 resources of Texas led him to become involved with a host of
2-6 worthwhile initiatives; working to develop and implement a regional
2-7 water management plan, he served as chair of the Llano Estacado
2-8 Regional Water Planning Group; in addition, he was active with the
2-9 Texas Water Conservation Association, the National Association of
2-10 Ground Water Officials, the West Texas Chamber of Commerce water
2-11 committee, and advisory boards at Texas Tech University and Texas
2-12 A&M University; and
2-13 WHEREAS, Under his guidance, the High Plains Water
2-14 Conservation District garnered significant acclaim; among its many
2-15 citations for excellence are the Outstanding Water Conservationist
2-16 Award from the Groundwater Management Districts Association, the
2-17 Irrigation Association's Water Conservationist of the Year Award,
2-18 the National Universities Council on Water Resources Education and
2-19 Public Service Award, and the National Water and Energy
2-20 Conservation Award; and
2-21 WHEREAS, Mr. Wyatt was a man of tremendous integrity and
2-22 compassion; although he will be greatly missed, his spirit will
2-23 live on in the hearts and minds of the many people whose lives he
2-24 touched; now, therefore, be it
2-25 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas
2-26 Legislature pay tribute to the life of A. Wayne Wyatt and extend
2-27 sincere sympathy to his family: to his wife, Linda Wyatt; to his
3-1 son, Mika Wyatt; to his daughter, Leisa Oesterreich; to his mother,
3-2 Robbie Wyatt; to his brothers, Ed and Jimmy Wyatt; to his sister,
3-3 Sharon Hendricks; to his four grandchildren; and to his other
3-4 relatives and many friends; and, be it further
3-5 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
3-6 prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
3-7 Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of A. Wayne
3-8 Wyatt.