SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 375

In Memory

of

Morris Jay Beachy

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of Austin in mourning the loss of Dr. Morris Jay Beachy, who died February 6, 2011, at the age of 82; and

WHEREAS, Born on May 11, 1928, in Nampa, Idaho, Morris Beachy earned his bachelor's degree at Colorado State University, where he met his beloved wife of 60 years, Frances; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his educational years, he performed as a baritone soloist in operas, oratorios, and recitals; he started conducting in 1947 and earned his master's degree at the University of Oregon; he received a doctorate in voice at the University of Southern California; and

WHEREAS, In 1957, he joined the music faculty as a conductor at The University of Texas at Austin; during his tenure, he served on the conducting faculty and was an advisor to the Graduate Programs in Choral Music; on the international level, he presented concerts in Europe, the Middle East, Mexico, and South America; and

WHEREAS, He founded the Chamber Singers and took its members on a tour of Europe and the Middle East in 1966; the group was consistently ranked among the best in the nation, and in 1979, the Chamber Singers were gold medal winners at the Villa-Lobos International Festival in Rio de Janeiro; and

WHEREAS, He was a well-known powerhouse on the national and international choral scene; in 1993, he retired from The University of Texas at Austin as the Morton H. Meyerson Professor Emeritus; he continued to conduct the Austin Choral Union, which performed with the Austin Symphony, and in 2003, he was inducted into the Austin Arts Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, He was a man of many talents and interests; in addition to music, he studied astronomy, archeology, foreign languages, and poetry; he was an environmentalist who loved the planet Earth, its beauty, and its animals; he was a dreamer, an explorer, and a mentor to many; and

WHEREAS, He was an exemplary gentleman who lived his life to the fullest, and he leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by all who were privileged to share in his life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Dr. Morris Jay Beachy: his wife, Frances; his daughters, Diana Rutledge and Sylvia Beachy; his brother, Dr. William Beachy; his sister, Irene Radford; and his grandson, Spencer Rutledge; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the members of 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 Dr. Morris Beachy. Watson

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 28, 2011, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate