78R7723 MDM-D

By:  Hilderbran                                                   H.R. No. 475



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The untimely passing of Demetrios John "Rio" 
Nicholas of Fredericksburg on December 6, 2001, at the age of 19, 
brought a  profound loss to his family and many friends, and it is 
most appropriate that we honor his memory at this time; and
	WHEREAS, A native Texan, he was born on September 1, 1982, in 
Kerrville; he attained the rank of Eagle Scout and graduated from 
Fredericksburg High School; and
	WHEREAS, Earning one of only 27 United States Air Force ROTC 
scholarships awarded in Texas, he attended the Colorado School of 
Mines in Golden, where he was an active, successful cadet in the 
school's ROTC program; and
	WHEREAS, This highly regarded young man received a nomination 
to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at King's Point, New York, from 
U.S. Congressman Lamar Smith, and had been accepted as a student; 
and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Nicholas delighted his family and friends with 
his enthusiasm for life and his kind heart, and he reminded them 
that the ability to give and inspire love is not limited by age or 
time; and
	WHEREAS, Although it is immeasurably painful to say good-bye 
to one so young, it is comforting to know that while his time here 
was all too brief, Mr. Nicholas will long be remembered as a man of 
honor and integrity by the many people who knew and admired him; 
now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby honor the memory of "Rio" Nicholas and extend 
sincere sympathy to his parents, John and Brenda Nicholas; to his 
brothers, William and Alexander Nicholas; to his grandmothers, 
Irene Nicholas and Harriett Schlaudt; and to the other relatives 
and many friends of this exceptional young man; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas House 
of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of 
Demetrios John "Rio" Nicholas.