SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 731 In Memory of Mary Nan West

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of San Antonio and people throughout South Texas in mourning the loss of Mary Nan West, who died January 1, 2001, at the age of 75; and

WHEREAS, Born June 6, 1925, to the late Mary West and Thomas Knox Newell, Mary Nan was raised by her grandparents, Robbie Bedell West and George Washington West, Jr.; she attended Saint Mary's Hall and studied liberal arts at the University of Arizona and the University of Colorado; and

WHEREAS, Mary Nan West became a legendary South Texas rancher and civic leader who steered the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo for nearly 20 years and was one of our state's most respected philanthropists; and

WHEREAS, A remarkable community servant and pioneer, Mary Nan was the first woman to be president of the San Antonio Livestock Exposition and the first woman to chair the Texas A&M University System's board of regents; she was also the first woman to serve as president of the Alamo Quarter Horse Breeders' Association; and

WHEREAS, Her philanthropic endeavors included establishing the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo scholarship program to enable hundreds of students around the state to attend college; since Mary Nan created the fund in 1984, it has awarded more than $8 million in scholarships, grants, and endowments to Texas students pursuing an education in agriculture; and

WHEREAS, In addition to managing the rodeo in a highly successful manner, Mary Nan managed the 36,000-acre ranch in Zavala County, which she had inherited from her grandfather in 1956; and

WHEREAS, An exemplary and distinguished lady, Mary Nan was respected for her many accomplishments and received numerous accolades for her work; she was named "Man of the Year" by the Texas County Agricultural Agents Association in 1988 and was inducted into the National Cowgirl Museum's Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, A woman of remarkable integrity, strength, and generosity, she gave unselfishly of her time to others, and her wisdom, warmth, and valued counsel will not be forgotten by those who knew her; and

WHEREAS, A member of the Christ Episcopal Church and a devout Christian, she was the recipient of the Brotherhood/Sisterhood Humanitarian Award, the Golden Deed Award, and the W. T. Bondurant, Sr., Distinguished Humanitarian Award; and

WHEREAS, Mary Nan West lived her life to the fullest and was a devoted mother and grandmother, and she leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by her family and many friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 77th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Mary Nan West: her daughters and sons-in-law, Mary West and Richard C. Traylor and Robbie and Vernie D. Bodden; and her seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the members of her family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Mary Nan West. Wentworth

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 10, 2001, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate