H.R. No. 1179



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, With the untimely passing of Boyd Vance of Austin on 
April 9, 2005, the State of Texas has lost a gifted artist, a 
dedicated activist, and an eloquent advocate for social justice; 
and
	WHEREAS, Born in Houston in 1957, Mr. Vance first moved to 
Austin to attend St. Stephen's Episcopal School, and he went on to 
earn his bachelor's degree in English from The University of Texas 
at Austin; and
	WHEREAS, A consummate theater professional, Mr. Vance 
starred in more than 40 productions and directed more than 50, 
bringing to every project his characteristic blend of disciplined 
focus, inspired creativity, and generosity of spirit; and
	WHEREAS, Though an unparalleled performer in his own right, 
he was less interested in furthering his own career than he was in 
fostering a supportive and vital arts community for the benefit of 
others; to that end, he shared his extensive expertise with 
aspiring African American theater professionals as a cofounder of 
Pro Arts Collective and through his work with the African-American 
Technical Resource Center; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Vance's commitment to community extended far 
beyond the arts, and he willingly lent his time and talent to such 
worthwhile events as Austin's African American Heritage Festival 
and the Martin Luther King, Jr., Boulevard Clean Up Celebration; 
and
	WHEREAS, It is the singular gift of great artists to 
communicate in a universal language that unites people from all 
walks of life, and in sharing his considerable talents with 
grateful audiences, Mr. Vance lifted their spirits and captivated 
them with work of joy and meaning; and
	WHEREAS, Although he cannot be replaced on or off the stage, 
his many friends and admirers may take comfort in the fact that his 
vibrant spirit lives on in the organizations he helped build, in the 
artistic community he enriched, and in the hearts of all those 
fortunate enough to have known him; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life and work of Boyd Vance 
and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his 
mother, Hattie Vance; to his brothers, Clen and Booker Vance; and to 
his other family members and many 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 Boyd 
Vance.

                                                                           Dukes


                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 1179 was unanimously adopted by a 
rising vote of the House on April 14, 2005.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House