78R9330 JNC-D

By:  Bohac                                                        H.R. No. 614



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The passing of Julius Victor Tupa on October 5, 
2002, brought great sadness to the many fans and friends as well as 
to the family of the Houston legend; and
	WHEREAS, Born July 22, 1931, in Moravia, Mr. Tupa developed 
his musical talents at an early age, picking up his first guitar at 
13; in 1950, he moved to Houston with a song in his heart and a 
determination to share his enthusiasm for music with the masses; 
and
	WHEREAS, While studying as an electrical engineering student 
at the University of Houston, Mr. Tupa formed a country band, but 
later discovered that his true passion was the lively punch of 
polka; in 1992, he cofounded the Sound Connection, the first 
Slovenian-style polka band in the state; and
	WHEREAS, This admired gentleman became a prominent figure in 
Houston's polka scene, editing the Texas Polka News, founding and 
directing the Texas Polka Music Association, and founding the Texas 
chapter of the Polka Lovers Klub of America; he was the animated 
host of the long-running Saturday morning Polka Express on KYND-AM, 
one of the most popular shows on the station; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Tupa shared 48 wonderful years with his wife, 
Marie, and their union was blessed with two daughters and four 
grandchildren; and
	WHEREAS, He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1956, 
and the U.S. Air Force Reserve for the following five years; active 
in numerous organizations, Mr. Tupa was a lifetime achievement 
member of the American Legion Post 654 and VFW Post 8790 as well as a 
member of the Knights of Columbus Council 4550, the Czech Heritage 
Society, and the Slavic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas; and
	WHEREAS, This beloved gentleman was a treasured artist who 
enlivened and enchanted audiences with the spirited and 
effervescent melodies of authentic Czech music and he will long be 
remembered as a passionate promoter and preserver of Texas polka 
music; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby honor the life of Julius Victor Tupa and extend 
sincere sympathy to his family: to his wife, Marie Tupa; to his 
daughters and sons-in-law, Gayle and Tom Boney and Tina and Erik 
Stankus; to his grandchildren, Jason, Lindsay, Stephen, and 
Kendall; to his mother, Julie Tupa; to his brother, Willie Tupa; and 
to his many cherished friends; 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 Julius 
Victor Tupa.