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SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 897


In Memory

of

Pedro Tijerina

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens
of San Antonio in mourning the loss of Judge Pedro "Pete" Tijerina,
who died May 14, 2003, at the age of 80; and
	WHEREAS, Pete Tijerina was a Laredo native and served in 
World War II with the Army Air Corps; he received his law license 
in 1951 and soon thereafter began his 50-year career practicing law
in San Antonio; he served as a judge on the 4th Court of Appeals 
from 1982 to 1986; and
	WHEREAS, One of Judge Tijerina's most lasting legacies is 
the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, the 
country's first Hispanic legal advocacy organization, which he 
established in 1968; the organization's success is largely due to 
Pete Tijerina's passion for improving conditions for the Mexican 
American community; and
	WHEREAS, The organization, known as MALDEF, has been at the 
forefront of important cases involving integration of schools, 
bilingual and bicultural educational programs, and employment 
discrimination; it won a landmark victory in 1989 when the 
Texas Supreme Court found that the state's method of public 
school financing was unconstitutional; and
	WHEREAS, Pete Tijerina was respected in the community 
for his many accomplishments; he was a generous man who 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, He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather,
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 Pedro Tijerina:  his wife of 49 years, Grace Tijerina; 
his daughters, Lynn Audrey and Christina Tijerina; his son, 
Peter Tijerina; his sister, Minerva Leyendecker; and his two 
grandsons; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared 
for 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 Judge Pedro Tijerina.
                                                                    Van de Putte




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on May 16, 2003, by a 
rising vote.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate