H.R. No. 1408
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, The passing of Wilford F. Pickard Jr. of College
  Station on March 9, 2015, at the age of 81, has brought a great loss
  to the Texas A&M University community; and
         WHEREAS, Born in San Antonio on October 31, 1933, to Wilford
  Pickard and Katherine Bossy, "Billy" Pickard graduated from Central
  Catholic High School and subsequently enrolled at A&M; he joined
  the Aggie football program as a student trainer, and he worked in
  that capacity under legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant until he
  completed his bachelor's degree in physical education in 1956; and
         WHEREAS, Mr. Pickard began his professional career as the
  head athletic trainer at Port Arthur and Brazosport High Schools
  before returning to College Station in 1965 to take over as head
  athletic trainer for the football team; over the ensuing five
  decades, he took on an ever-increasing number of responsibilities
  within the A&M athletic department, serving as the school's
  equipment manager, assistant athletic director for training,
  equipment, and facilities, and associate athletic director for
  facilities; he was named senior associate athletic director for
  facilities in 1994, and in this role he helped coordinate the
  construction of the Bright Football Complex, Nye Academic Center,
  and the Bernard C. Richardson Zone at Kyle Field; and
         WHEREAS, This esteemed Texan officially retired in 2009, but
  he continued to be a familiar and welcome presence on the A&M
  campus; affectionately known as the "Keeper of Kyle Field," he
  would often arrive at 6 a.m. to check on the stadium, and he was a
  fixture and frequent speaker at Aggie football practices in recent
  seasons; Mr. Pickard also lent his support to the school's other
  athletic programs, attending myriad baseball and basketball games;
  and
         WHEREAS, Highly respected by players and peers alike,
  Mr. Pickard held a number of important leadership positions within
  the Southwest Athletic Trainers' Association, and the organization
  honored him for his many contributions with the prestigious Frank
  Medina Award in 1984; he was inducted into the National Athletic
  Trainers' Association Hall of Fame in 1985, and he was a member of
  the Texas A&M Lettermen's Association Hall of Honor; moreover, he
  received well-deserved recognition for his dedicated efforts in
  behalf of the university when the school declared October 10, 2009,
  as Billy Pickard Day at Kyle Field; and
         WHEREAS, In all of his endeavors, Mr. Pickard enjoyed the
  love and support of his wife, Linda, and their six children, Kevin,
  Joe, Janet, John, Jean, and Joy, and he later knew the joy of
  welcoming two additional generations into his cherished family; and
         WHEREAS, Billy Pickard made a positive difference in
  countless lives during his exemplary service to Texas A&M
  University, and he will forever hold a special place in the hearts
  of his loved ones and Aggies everywhere; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
  Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Billy Pickard and
  extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his wife
  of 43 years, Linda Pickard; to his children, Kevin Pickard and his
  wife, Amy, Joe Pickard and his wife, Jan, Janet Bausch, John Pickard
  and his wife, Diane, Jean Carter and her husband, Jeff, and Joy
  Crowl and her husband, Mark; to his grandchildren and his
  great-granddaughter; to his brother, Robert Pickard, and his wife,
  Mary; and to his other relatives and many 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 Billy
  Pickard.
 
  Kacal
 
  ______________________________
  Speaker of the House     
 
         I certify that H.R. No. 1408 was unanimously adopted by a
  rising vote of the House on April 16, 2015.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House