HLS 12RS-899 ORIGINAL
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Regular Session, 2012
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 36
BY REPRESENTATIVES DIXON, HARRIS, AND HAZEL AND SENATORS GALLOT,
KOSTELKA, LONG, AND RISER
CONDOLENCES: Expresses condolences upon the death of former state representative
Israel "Bo" Curtis of Alexandria
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON1
To express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the death of former state representative2
Israel B. Curtis of Alexandria.3
WHEREAS, it is with deep regret and profound sorrow that the members of the4
Louisiana Legislature have learned of the death of their friend and former colleague, Israel5
B. Curtis, on February 16, 2012, at the age of seventy-nine; and6
WHEREAS, a graduate of Peabody High School in Alexandria, Representative7
Curtis received a bachelor of science degree from Grambling State University and a master8
of education degree from Northwestern State University; and9
WHEREAS, after serving in the United States Army, Mr. Curtis served the school10
system of Rapides Parish for twenty-eight years as a teacher and coach from 1957 until11
1977, a school board member from 1983 until 1991, and as vice president of the Rapides12
Parish School Board from 1987 until 1991; and13
WHEREAS, Representative Curtis served four highly effective terms as a member14
of the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1992 until 2008, and he used every15
opportunity as an able and productive legislator to serve his constituency in Rapides Parish16
and the citizens of the state of Louisiana in an honorable and dedicated manner; and17
WHEREAS, Mr. Curtis steadfastly endeavored to improve the welfare of his fellow18
citizens, and his legislative accomplishments were numerous; he served with great diligence19
as vice chairman of the House Committee on Retirement and as a member of the House20 HLS 12RS-899 ORIGINAL
HCR NO. 36
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Committee on Health and Welfare, the House Committee on Ways and Means, and the Joint1
Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay, as well the Democratic Caucus and the Louisiana2
Legislative Black Caucus; and3
WHEREAS, the first African American elected to the legislature from Alexandria4
since Reconstruction, during his tenure in the Louisiana Legislature, Representative Curtis5
worked on and supported many important pieces of legislation, including but not limited to6
legislation related to public education, retirement benefits for educators and police officers,7
and boosting his district's economy; and8
WHEREAS, Mr. Curtis also worked as the district manager of Winnfield Life9
Insurance Company, was a member of the Central Louisiana Drug Council, helped found10
the Central Louisiana Elected Officials Organization, helped organize the Magnolia Peace11
Officers Association, and was a captain in the Rapides Parish Sheriff's Auxiliary; and12
WHEREAS, Representative Curtis was the deserving recipient of numerous honors13
and awards throughout the course of his career, and his professional, civic, and business14
affiliations included the Knights of Pythagoras, Chicota Youth Camp, Shrine Temple, Most15
Worshipful Prince Hall, and Veterans of Foreign Wars; and16
WHEREAS, Mr. Curtis was preceded in death by his parents, Israel "Chief" and17
Maria Curtis, and one brother, Duel H. Curtis; and18
WHEREAS, Mr. Curtis is survived by his loving wife of fifty-six years, Barbara; two19
children, Andrea (Alan) Richardson; one son, Benjamin; two grandchildren, Aleisha and20
Jordan Richardson; one sister, Mamie L. Smith (Clyde); his goddaughters, Sequoia, Natalie,21
and Deborah; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and friends; and22
WHEREAS, the death of Mr. Curtis has left a great void and created a genuine sense23
of sorrow in all who knew him, including the members of the House family, all of whom24
mourn the loss of this wonderful man who served his state and this institution so well; and25
WHEREAS, Mr. Curtis leaves behind a rich and unique legacy and is greatly missed26
by all whose lives he touched through his commitment to public service and his dedication27
to his fellow citizens.28 HLS 12RS-899 ORIGINAL
HCR NO. 36
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THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby1
express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the death of former state representative Israel2
B. Curtis of Alexandria and does hereby record for posterity the enduring appreciation of the3
citizens of Louisiana for his outstanding contributions and achievements, particularly during4
his sixteen-year tenure as a distinguished member of the Louisiana House of5
Representatives.6
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted7
to the family of Israel B. Curtis.8
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Dixon HCR No. 36
Expresses condolences upon the death of former state representative Israel B. Curtis of
Alexandria.