81R35428 MG-D

By: Pena H.R. No. 2591

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Residents of Rio Grande City fondly remember Pete Diaz, Jr., a cherished friend and a dedicated civic leader, who died on March 17, 1999, at the age of 71; and

WHEREAS, The son of Pedro Diaz, Sr., and Aurora Valverde Diaz, Pete Diaz was born on November 17, 1927, in Rio Grande City; he went on to become an entrepreneur and the proprietor of the Valley Mart grocery store chain, as well as a management company, a Spanish language radio station, a motor inn, a golf course, and 14 shopping centers, and his company, Diaz Enterprises, was one of the largest Hispanic-owned businesses in the country; moreover, he believed in helping others to succeed, and he frequently provided assistance to his fellow citizens to help them achieve their educational and employment goals; and

WHEREAS, Active in politics and government, Mr. Diaz was appointed to the National Advisory Council for Vocational Education by President Ronald Reagan, and he served on the Texas Board of Criminal Justice and the Texas Private Industry Council; in addition, he was a vice president of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership, a director of the Texas Retail Grocers Association, and an advisor to the College of Business Administration at The University of Texas--Pan American, and he was on the board of directors of St. Mary's University; and

WHEREAS, This esteemed community leader further distinguished himself as one of the founders of the Rio Grande City Volunteer Fire Department and as an organizer of the Rio Grande City Christmas Festival, and he was a charter member of the Rio Grande City Rotary Club; he was also a valued member of the Masonic Hope Lodge No. 471 and of the Scottish Rite 32nd degree, and he had served as Worshipful Master; and

WHEREAS, In all of his endeavors, Mr. Diaz enjoyed the love and support of his wife, Ramona, and he took great pride in his six children, Mary E. Recio, Belinda Diaz, Pete Diaz III, Hiram Diaz, Aaron Diaz, and Monica D. Aguillon; and

WHEREAS, Pete Diaz was an inspiration to all those who were fortunate enough to share in his love and friendship, and his remarkable legacy continues to resonate in Rio Grande City and beyond; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Pete Diaz, Jr.; 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 Pete Diaz.