SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 695


In Memory

of

William Heinz Ratz

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the 
citizens of Houston in mourning the loss of William Heinz Ratz, 
who died March 11, 2003, at the age of 61; and
	WHEREAS, Bill Ratz was born on September 16, 1941, in 
Magdeburg, Germany, to Erwin and Margarete Ratz; he immigrated to 
the United States in 1953 and moved to Houston, where he resided 
for the rest of his life; and
	WHEREAS, He graduated from Lamar High School and
The University of Texas at Austin, and he served in the United States
Air Force; and
	WHEREAS, Bill had a lifelong career in the insurance and 
bond business; most recently he had served as vice chairman for 
Willis of Texas, Incorporated, in Houston; and
	WHEREAS, An exemplary citizen, Bill Ratz was respected in 
the community for his many accomplishments; he was a director for 
the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and a member of the McDonald 
Observatory Board of Visitors; he also was an active member of 
several other clubs and associations; and
	WHEREAS, Bill had a deep fondness for the outdoors, and he 
spent many hours playing golf and enjoying fly-fishing, sailing, 
and hunting; and
	WHEREAS, A man of integrity, strength, and generosity, 
Bill gave unselfishly of his time to others, and his wisdom, 
warmth, and valued counsel will not be forgotten by those who 
knew him; and
	WHEREAS, A devout Christian, Bill was a member of
Saint Martin's Episcopal Church, where he served with the 
Pastoral Care Committee; and
	WHEREAS, Bill was a devoted husband and father, and he 
leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by his 
family and many friends; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
78th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the 
bereaved family of William Heinz Ratz:  his wife of 34 years, 
Louise McCullough Ratz; and his daughter and son-in-law, Leslie 
and Brandon Easterling; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
the members of his 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 William Heinz Ratz.
                                                                      Armbrister




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on April 29, 2003, by a 
rising vote.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate