SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1192

In Memory

of

Mitchell George Attal

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of Austin in mourning the loss of Mitchell George Attal, who died February 25, 2011; and

WHEREAS, Born in 1934, Mitchell George Attal grew up in downtown Austin and attended Austin High School, where he played on the football team; he was an undefeated amateur boxer as a young man, and his victories included two Golden Gloves bouts; and

WHEREAS, He served the nation with distinction in the armed forces during the Korean War before returning to Austin and opening the General Store gift shop on Burnet Road, which soon evolved into the General Store Gallery; he lived for a while in Hawaii, where he met his wife, Margaret Ann; and

WHEREAS, The couple returned to Austin in the late 1970s and opened what has become Austin Galleries; blessed with a gift for discovering and encouraging young artists, Mr. Attal was known for his love of art and the depth of his knowledge in the field; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Attal was a man of varied talents and interests and delighted in cooking meals for the people he loved; he prepared weekly Saturday luncheons for friends, clients, and neighbors at the gallery, featuring Lebanese dishes or his famous hamburgers or fried chicken, and he taught several cooking classes at Central Market; and

WHEREAS, A man of courage, generosity, and kindness, he gave unselfishly to others, and his wisdom, his gentle demeanor, and his caring nature will not be forgotten by those who knew him; and

WHEREAS, He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and he leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by his family and many friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Mitchell George Attal: his wife of 32 years, Margaret Ann; his daughters and son-in-law, Angela and Mike Mohan and Malia Attal; his son, Michael Attal; his sister, Elaine Ciani; his brothers, Basil and Charles Attal; and his grandchildren; 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 Mitchell George Attal.

Watson

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 25, 2011, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate