SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 172

In Memory

of

Kenneth Louis Koock

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Kenneth Louis Koock, who died on December 19, 2022, at the age of 86; and

WHEREAS, Born on May 5, 1936, Kenneth Louis Koock was raised at Green Pastures, his family's historic homestead near downtown Austin; there, Ken and his siblings experienced the joys and hard work of growing up on a farm and learned the values of acceptance, kindness, and compassion instilled in them by their parents; and

WHEREAS, Ken graduated from Saint Edward's High School and attended Georgetown University; he completed his studies at The University of Texas at Austin, and he served as a Merchant Marine and went on to serve with distinction in the United States Army; and

WHEREAS, Ken took over the management of Green Pastures, the family-run restaurant his parents had converted the farm and homestead into in 1946; the restaurant had always operated under the principle of welcoming people of all races and religions, even during the segregation era, and Ken proudly carried on this practice and philosophy in his business as well as throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, Ken and his longtime business partner, Lee Buslett, ran the restaurant with charm and attention to detail, and their combined efforts and expertise in both business and the culinary arts led Green Pastures to earn national acclaim; the restaurant attracted many loyal regular customers as well as such notable guests as presidents, royalty, celebrities, and heads of state; Ken's success and enjoyment of the business inspired him to open a number of other popular restaurants in later years; and

WHEREAS, Ken was active in his community and enjoyed a wide variety of hobbies and activities; a skilled pie-maker, golfer, and pilot, Ken served as president of the South Austin Rotary Club and the Texas Aviation Association, and he successfully advocated funding from the Federal Aviation Administration to build small-plane hangars at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport; and

WHEREAS, A devoted father to his daughters, Kathryn and Molly, and a loving husband to his wife of 27 years, Carol Ann Koock, Ken was also blessed with two stepsons, John and Chris, and with eight grandchildren and a great-granddaughter, who were a source of much pride and joy to him; Ken was a remarkable and inspiring person whose generous spirit and positive outlook defined his interactions with people from all walks of life; he leaves behind memories that will long be cherished by his family and friends and by the countless others who were privileged to share in his life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Kenneth Louis Koock; 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 Kenneth L. Koock.

Eckhardt

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 15, 2023, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate