SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 44

In Memory

of

Ray Pearson

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas commemorates the life of El Pasoan Ray Pearson, who died December 12, 2008; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Pearson was a prolific attorney and founder of the Pearson and Pearson Law Offices in El Paso and an active participant in local government; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Pearson founded the Ray Pearson Forum, a weekly public venue to discuss local politics and government, in the early 1960s; the purpose of the forum was to encourage honest debate and to help elect dedicated and knowledgeable citizens to public office; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Pearson was a champion for transparency and fairness in local government and understood the enormous responsibility and trust that came with holding elected office; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Pearson was admitted to the Texas Bar in 1955, and he served as the president of the El Paso Bar Association in 1988, as chairman of the El Paso Housing Authority from 1974 to 1976, and on the El Paso Public Service Board from 1976 to 1982; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Pearson was a man of courage, strength, and generosity, and he was deeply respected and beloved by his colleagues and his community; he leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by his family and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Ray Pearson; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Ray Pearson.

Shapleigh

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on January 26, 2009, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate