SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 715

In Memory

of

Andrew R. Ramirez Sr.

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of Austin in mourning the loss of Andrew R. Ramirez Sr., who died April 17, 2015, at the age of 73; and

WHEREAS, Andy Ramirez was born in 1942 in East Austin to David and Oralia Ramirez; he served the nation with distinction as a member of the United States Navy, and he attended The University of Texas; he went on to organize labor strikes during the 1960s and to help elect many of Austin's best-known Hispanic politicians; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ramirez was at the center of a number of Austin's social justice initiatives; he was a leader in the historic Economy Furniture strike, and he was instrumental in the implementation of President Lyndon Johnson's War on Poverty through his service in the governor's office; he later served as assistant city manager for human development programs, where his leadership and his ability to bring in millions of dollars in grants had a profound impact on the delivery of vital public services; and

WHEREAS, He went on to develop commercial properties and was a founder of the Avante Corporation, which built corporate office buildings in San Antonio and Austin; he also established Rz and Associates, Incorporated, to serve as a business partnership and consulting firm for new Hispanic enterprises; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to his work as a community leader, he founded the Bellas Artes Alliance, an organization dedicated to promoting Latino arts and culture at the South by Southwest Festival and throughout the year; and

WHEREAS, A man of courage, strength, and tenacity, he gave unselfishly to others, and his wisdom, his keen intellect, and his commitment to public service will not be forgotten; and

WHEREAS, He was devoted to his large and loving extended family, 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, 84th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Andrew R. Ramirez Sr.; 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 Andy Ramirez. Watson

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 5, 2015, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate