82R17120 JNC-D

By: Schwertner H.R. No. 1063

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The 100th birthday of an esteemed Texan is indeed cause for celebration, and T. J. Rosson reached this remarkable milestone in his life on March 22, 2011; and

WHEREAS, A native of the Lone Star State, "Hap" Rosson was born in Winters in 1911; growing up, he helped his father at the family store, stocking shelves, cleaning up, and making deliveries with a horse and buggy; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Rosson later lived in Hamlin and San Angelo, where he played football as a defensive halfback; at a young age, he earned his nickname, short for Happy, with his cheerful demeanor and fondness for singing Oh Happy Day, and that moniker proved so fitting it is still used today; and

WHEREAS, In 1941, Mr. Rosson married the love of his life, Gertrude, with whom he shared nearly seven decades before her passing; the couple raised six children, Judy, Marilyn, Gail, Dick, Nancy, and Doug, and through the years the family took vacations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe; and

WHEREAS, The Rossons lived in Tulsa before moving to Austin in 1945; in an effort to escape the big city, they settled in Georgetown, which Mr. Rosson has called home since the early 1970s; and

WHEREAS, For much of his life, this beloved patriarch enjoyed reading and writing, and he authored many poems that paid tribute to his family; and

WHEREAS, A source of wisdom and inspiration, Hap Rosson has witnessed a panorama of change during a historic century, and his 100th birthday offers a welcome opportunity for his loved ones to acknowledge the special place he holds in their hearts; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby congratulate T. J. Rosson on his 100th birthday and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued happiness; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Rosson as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.