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79S30897 JNC-D

By:  Gattis                                                       H.R. No. 240



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The citizens of Rockdale lost a valued friend and 
much-admired community leader with the untimely passing of W. T. 
"Bill" Eckert, Jr., on December 5, 2005; and
	WHEREAS, A native of the Lone Star State, Mr. Eckert spent his 
formative years in McCamey and attended The University of Texas at 
Austin, where he earned a bachelor's degree in engineering; as a 
young man, he gained employment with Alcoa's Rockdale operations, 
serving the company in many capacities during the course of his 
distinguished 35-year tenure; in his most recent position as 
primary metals strategic project manager, he was instrumental in 
brokering an agreement with TXU Energy that would bring a new power 
plant to the area; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Eckert was dedicated to the betterment of his 
adopted hometown; appointed to the Richards Memorial Healthcare 
Systems board in October 2000, at a time when the hospital had 
recently filed for bankruptcy, he was named chairman three years 
later, and his determined and effective leadership was integral in 
reestablishing the economic vitality of RMHS; thanks in part to his 
efforts, the group was able to expand, buying out the former 
Rockdale Medical Association Clinic, opening a 24-hour treatment 
center, and starting an assisted living program; and
	WHEREAS, In addition to his work with RMHS, this esteemed 
Texan was a member of the Longhorn Foundation, and he brought his 
wealth of knowledge and experience to the Texas State Technical 
College board of directors; and
	WHEREAS, Above all else, Mr. Eckert was devoted to his 
family, including his wife, Karen, and his children, Travis and 
Jennifer; and
	WHEREAS, Throughout his lifetime, Bill Eckert exemplified 
the highest standards of integrity, hard work, and dedication to 
his community, and though he will be deeply missed, his legacy of 
good works will live on; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of 
W. T. "Bill" Eckert, Jr., and extend deepest sympathy to the members 
of his family: to his wife, Karen Eckert; to his son, Travis Eckert; 
to his daughter, Jennifer Shinners; to his mother and 
father-in-law, Louis and Lucille Rubino; and to his other relatives 
and many friends; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of 
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Bill 
Eckert.