SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 146
In Memory
of
Alfred Ashbrook King
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the
citizens of Austin in mourning the loss of civic leader
Alfred Ashbrook King, who died March 25, 2006, at the age of 89;
and
WHEREAS, Alfred King was one of Austin's leading
philanthropists, renowned for his visionary leadership and
inherent commitment to community service; he was born in
Corpus Christi on July 19, 1916, to Richard and Pierpont King,
who were both community leaders; his great-grandfather was the
founder of the famed King Ranch; and
WHEREAS, He graduated from Corpus Christi High School and
Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire and earned bachelor of
business administration and doctor of jurisprudence degrees from
The University of Texas at Austin, where he was president of Phi
Gamma Delta fraternity and served as editor of the 1940 Cactus
yearbook; and
WHEREAS, While at the university, he met Ellen Umphres,
who became his life partner for 65 years; the couple moved to
Corpus Christi after graduation, and Alfred looked after
business interests for R. King and Company; he entered military
service in 1943 and served in the Counterintelligence Corps; and
WHEREAS, Following World War II, he moved with his family
to McAllen and from there managed the family ranch in Encino; he
held leadership positions in many business and civic organizations
in the Rio Grande Valley and in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the
family had purchased a second home, and where he helped start the
Santa Fe Opera; and
WHEREAS, After selling his interest in the ranch in 1960,
Alfred moved with his family to Austin, where he directed
operations for numerous business interests and became deeply
involved with civic organizations with special interests in
education, health care, and the arts; he was founding chairman
of the Austin Lyric Opera and served on the board of trustees for
Laguna Gloria Art Museum, now the Austin Museum of Art, for 40
years; and
WHEREAS, He held leadership positions with Saint David's
Healthcare System, The University of Texas at Austin, and
Saint Edward's University; with his wife, Ellen, he established
lectureships in The University of Texas at Austin's College of
Fine Arts and School of Natural Sciences; and
WHEREAS, Alfred King was a caring and decent gentleman who
never sought acclaim but did receive many well-deserved honors
throughout his lifetime for his community service, his selfless
dedication to helping others, and his wise and generous counsel;
and
WHEREAS, He 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,
79th Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby extend sincere
condolences to the bereaved family of Alfred Ashbrook King: his
wife, Ellen; his daughter, Pierpont King; and his sons and
daughters-in-law, Gilbert and Marci King and Gordon and Alma King;
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 Alfred Ashbrook King.
Barrientos
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 4, 2006, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate