SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 564

In Memory

of

Frederick Martin Baron

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of noted attorney Frederick Martin Baron, who died October 30, 2008, at the age of 61; and

WHEREAS, Fred Baron earned renown for his pioneering litigation representing victims of toxic substances and his active role in revitalizing the Democratic Party in Texas; and

WHEREAS, He was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and moved to Smithville, Texas, with his mother when he was 15 years old; he graduated from The University of Texas with a bachelor's degree in 1968 and a law degree in 1971; and

WHEREAS, Inspired to pursue an asbestos litigation case that his employer's firm had rejected, Mr. Baron founded his own law firm in Dallas in 1977; he went on to build a flourishing practice and generously shared his financial success with a number of causes from the arts to the Texas Democratic Trust, which he founded in 2005 to support Democratic candidates; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Baron was passionate about helping others, and he was a fierce advocate for those who believed they had no voice; with his wife, he founded the Baron and Blue Foundation, which is dedicated to eliminating homelessness and improving low-cost housing in the Dallas area; he also opened his home to host fund-raising events for countless charitable organizations; and

WHEREAS, After his election as president of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America in 2002, Mr. Baron sold his law firm and moved to Washington, D.C., where he worked closely with a number of national political figures, including former president Bill Clinton; he became the lead fund-raiser for John Edwards in 2003 and headed the Kerry-Edwards 2004 general election finance team; he also led the finance team for the 2008 John Edwards presidential bid; and

WHEREAS, Fred Baron received numerous honors and accolades during his lifetime; he was named as one of the nation's top plaintiff's attorneys by Forbes magazine and as one of the top lawyers in Dallas by D Magazine; he was listed as one of the 100 most influential lawyers in the United States in 2006 by The National Law Journal, and he was honored as a lawyer who helped shape Texas law during the 20th century by Texas Lawyer; and

WHEREAS, Fred Baron will long be remembered for his commitment to helping others, his passion for politics, and his philanthropic efforts; a devoted husband and father, he leaves behind memories that will be treasured by his family and his many 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 Frederick Martin Baron: his wife, Lisa Blue-Baron, and his children, Andrew, Courtney, Alessandra, Nathalie, and Caroline Baron; 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 Frederick M. Baron.

West, Carona, Davis, Deuell, Ellis, Lucio, Nelson, Shapiro

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Member, Texas Senate Member, Texas Senate

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Member, Texas Senate Member, Texas Senate

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Member, Texas Senate Member, Texas Senate

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Member, Texas Senate Member, Texas Senate

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 28, 2009, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate