By Pitts                                               H.R. No. 587
         77R10272 MDM-D                           
                                 R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, The 45th wedding anniversary of two outstanding
 1-2     Texans is truly cause for a celebration, and on March 22, 2001,
 1-3     State Representative G. E. "Buddy" West and Shirley West will mark
 1-4     such a significant milestone in their marriage; and
 1-5           WHEREAS, The children of George and Virginia West and Richard
 1-6     and Lois Porter, Representative and Mrs. West became acquainted
 1-7     when they were fourth-grade classmates and showed their affection
 1-8     by following the time-honored childhood tradition of picking on
 1-9     each other; during their high school years, Shirley's father
1-10     allowed only study dates on weeknights, and when Representative
1-11     West attained the honor roll his senior year, he attributed his
1-12     academic success to numerous study dates with his intended; and
1-13           WHEREAS, A teenaged bull-rider, Mr. West was strongly
1-14     encouraged to give up that risky pursuit by his fiance, who
1-15     returned his engagement ring and refused to marry him until he quit
1-16     the rodeo; and
1-17           WHEREAS, Mr. West and the former Miss Porter graduated from
1-18     Odessa High School in 1955 and were married on March 22, 1956, by
1-19     Reverend Gregory at First Baptist Church in Odessa; blessed with
1-20     three children, Richie, Lori, and Ami, the Wests have happily
1-21     welcomed seven beloved grandchildren into their family through the
1-22     years; and
1-23           WHEREAS, This devoted couple have shared the trials and
1-24     triumphs of 45 years together; built on a solid foundation of love
 2-1     and support, their marriage has served as an inspiration to their
 2-2     loved ones, and it is indeed appropriate that they be honored at
 2-3     this time; now, therefore, be it
 2-4           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas
 2-5     Legislature hereby congratulate the Honorable G. E. "Buddy" West
 2-6     and Shirley West on the joyous occasion of their 45th wedding
 2-7     anniversary and extend to them warmest best wishes for continued
 2-8     happiness; and, be it further
 2-9           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
2-10     prepared for Mr. and Mrs. West as an expression of high regard by
2-11     the Texas House of Representatives.