82R21202 JNC-D

By: Branch H.R. No. 1461

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The State of Texas lost a respected diplomat and a champion of higher education with the death of Roy Richard Rubottom, Jr., who passed away on December 6, 2010, at the age of 98; and

WHEREAS, A native of the Lone Star State, Richard Rubottom was born in Brownwood on February 13, 1912; he was awarded a scholarship to Southern Methodist University, and during his years at the school, he served as president of his class and editor of the newspaper; after earning his bachelor's and master's degrees, he went on to study Latin American relations at The University of Texas at Austin, where he was assistant dean of students; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Rubottom joined the Navy in 1941 and served in naval intelligence in Mexico and Paraguay during World War II; he attained the rank of commander, and following his five years with the military, he became vice president of a bank in Corsicana; and

WHEREAS, Soon after, his interest in foreign affairs led him to enter the diplomatic service; through the years, he helped to establish the Organization of American States in Bogota, Colombia, served as officer in charge of Mexican affairs in Washington, D.C., and directed the Office of Middle American Affairs; he worked with the U.S. Embassy in Madrid and was appointed deputy assistant secretary of state for inter-American affairs and assistant secretary of state; and

WHEREAS, During the 1950s, Mr. Rubottom was instrumental in shaping American foreign policy toward Latin America, particularly Cuba; a dedicated proponent of U.S. interests in a shifting and volatile climate, he believed that important influence was exercised through education, economic ties, and cooperative endeavors that brought mutual benefit to nations; and

WHEREAS, Named ambassador to Argentina in 1960, Mr. Rubottom attained the rank of career minister before concluding his foreign service as State Department adviser to the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island; in 1964, he began a second career in higher education and joined the administration at SMU, working as administrative vice president and vice president for planning; and

WHEREAS, Following two years of service as president of the University of the Americas in Puebla, Mexico, he returned to SMU, where he was a political science professor and scholar-in-residence; in 1975, he was named professor emeritus; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Rubottom remained active in the Dallas community after his retirement; in addition to directing the Dallas Office of International Affairs, he was a valued volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America for many years; and

WHEREAS, In all of his endeavors, he enjoyed the support of a loving family, including his wife, Billy Ruth, with whom he shared 69 years of marriage, and his children, Eleanor, Frank, and John; and

WHEREAS, Richard Rubottom distinguished himself through his leadership in foreign affairs and his contributions to the field of education, and he leaves behind an outstanding record of service that will not soon be forgotten; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Roy Richard Rubottom, Jr., and extend deepest sympathy to the members of his family: to his daughter, Eleanor Odden, and her husband, Allan; to his sons, Frank Rubottom and John Rubottom and his wife, Angie; to his grandchildren, Sarina, Robert, Jay, and Taylor; to his great-grandson, Micah; and to his other relatives and friends; 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 Richard Rubottom.