|
|
R E S O L U T I O N
|
|
|
WHEREAS, The Honorable Louie Welch has significantly |
|
|
contributed to the betterment of Houston and the Lone Star State as |
|
|
a longtime civic and professional leader, and his remarkable |
|
|
achievements are most deserving of commendation; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, Born in 1918 in Lockney, Mr. Welch served as a |
|
|
Houston councilman-at-large before being elected mayor in 1964; |
|
|
during his time in office, Mayor Welch was instrumental in the |
|
|
completion of several major projects, including Lake Livingston, |
|
|
the Houston Intercontinental Airport, and the civic center complex, |
|
|
and he initiated numerous others, including the central library, |
|
|
the first city-owned ambulance service, Tranquility Park, and an |
|
|
early effort to transform Buffalo Bayou; since stepping down in |
|
|
1973, he remains the only Houston mayor to have served five |
|
|
consecutive terms and leave office undefeated, earning him the |
|
|
title of mayor emeritus; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, This esteemed Texan has continued to distinguish |
|
|
himself through his leadership in such noteworthy organizations as |
|
|
the Houston Chamber of Commerce, which he served as president and |
|
|
CEO for more than a decade, the Texas Business Development Job |
|
|
Creation Task Force and International Committee, and the Foundation |
|
|
for Business, Politics and Economics; moreover, he served as chair |
|
|
of the Texas Film Commission Advisory Council and the Texas Water |
|
|
Development Board, and he continues to serve as a trustee of Abilene |
|
|
Christian University; the recipient of five honorary doctorates, he |
|
|
has been further recognized with decorations from the Kingdom of |
|
|
Belgium, the Italian Republic, and the Emperor of Japan; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, Mr. Welch enjoyed more than 50 years of marriage to |
|
|
the former Iola Faye Cure, with whom he raised five children, before |
|
|
her passing in 1991; finding love again, he married Helen Morales, |
|
|
and the couple have since shared some 15 years; in addition, he is |
|
|
the proud grandfather of 15 grandchildren and four |
|
|
great-grandchildren; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, The dedication and vision of Louie Welch have made a |
|
|
positive difference in the lives of countless citizens, and his |
|
|
exemplary record of public service will continue to inspire others |
|
|
for many years to come; now, therefore, be it |
|
|
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 80th Texas |
|
|
Legislature hereby honor Louie Welch on his remarkable civic and |
|
|
professional achievements and extend to him sincere best wishes for |
|
|
continued success and happiness; and, be it further |
|
|
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
|
|
prepared for Mr. Welch as an expression of high regard by the Texas |
|
|
House of Representatives. |
|
|
Murphy |
|
|
|
|
|
______________________________ |
|
|
Speaker of the House |
|
|
I certify that H.R. No. 1812 was adopted by the House on May |
|
|
18, 2007, by a non-record vote. |
|
|
|
|
|
______________________________ |
|
|
Chief Clerk of the House |