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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, A life lived with joy and purpose drew to a close |
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with the passing of Gilbert J. Riojas III of Corpus Christi on |
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December 13, 2024, at the age of 47; and |
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WHEREAS, Gilly Riojas was born on May 13, 1977, to Tina and |
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Gilbert Riojas, and he grew up with three younger sisters, Jamie, |
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Caitlin, and Ryan; he excelled as a football player at Austin High |
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School, and following his graduation in 1996, he continued in his |
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parents' and grandparents' footsteps by enrolling at Texas A&M |
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University, where he made many lifelong friends; and |
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WHEREAS, Over the course of a successful career, Mr. Riojas |
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worked as general manager for La Babia Cattle Company, which |
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operates ranches in Mexico and South Texas; an admired leader, he |
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left an indelible mark on the agricultural industry, mentoring many |
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young professionals and representing the Texas Beef Council as a |
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director for the Federation of State Beef Councils; in addition, he |
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lent his expertise to the Texas Cattle Feeders Association and the |
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Beef Promotion and Research Council of Texas, and he served as |
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director of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, On December 4, 2004, Mr. Riojas wed the love of his |
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life, the former Andrea Martinka, and the couple enjoyed a |
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rewarding marriage that spanned 20 years; his life was further |
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enriched by the close bond he shared with their daughter, Rylynn, |
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and he always made time for her activities, including sports and |
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school events; in all his endeavors, he drew strength from his |
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Catholic faith; and |
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WHEREAS, Beloved for his kindness, generosity, and exuberant |
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personality, Gilly Riojas leaves behind numerous friends and loved |
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ones whose lives are far richer for having known him, and he will |
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always hold a treasured place in their hearts; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas |
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Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Gilbert J. Riojas |
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III and extend heartfelt condolences to the members of his family: |
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to his wife, Andrea Martinka Riojas; to his daughter, Rylynn Sara |
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Riojas; to his parents, Bettina Lynn McSpadden and Gilbert J. |
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Riojas Jr.; to his sisters, Jamie Riojas, Caitlin Riojas and her |
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spouse, Tyler Canon, and Ryan Riojas; to his nephews and nieces, |
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Jackson, Blue, and Maddie Hall and Penny Canon; to his |
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grandparents, Ouida and Tom Schliesing; and to his other relatives |
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and many friends; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of |
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Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Gilly |
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Riojas. |
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Lambert |
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______________________________ |
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Speaker of the House |
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I certify that H.R. No. 96 was unanimously adopted by a rising |
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vote of the House on March 6, 2025. |
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______________________________ |
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Chief Clerk of the House |
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