81R23401 JGH-D
By: Hodge H.R. No. 1276
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Across this state and nation, people who wage the
fight for social justice are mourning the loss of Frederick Martin
Baron of Dallas, who passed away on October 30, 2008, at the age of
61; and
WHEREAS, Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1947, Mr. Baron moved
to Smithville when he was 15; an outstanding student and football
star in high school, he went on to attend The University of Texas at
Austin, where he earned a B.A. in 1968 and a J.D. in 1971; and
WHEREAS, Inspired by consumer advocate Ralph Nader, Mr. Baron
went to work after law school at the Dallas-based firm of Mullinax,
Wells, Mauzy & Baab, which represented labor unions and union
workers; in 1974, he filed a major case concerning asbestos
exposure at an East Texas plant, a suit that eventually resulted in
an award of $20 million and that helped establish his reputation as
an able and tenacious attorney; Mr. Baron formed his own firm, now
known as Baron & Budd, in 1977 to represent victims of occupational
diseases and industrial pollution; over the course of a more than
30-year career, his formidable skills and passionate engagement
would make him a national leader in the field of asbestos and other
toxic-tort litigation; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Baron's commitment to the cause of worker and
consumer safety was evident, as well, in his professional
affiliations; he cofounded Trial Lawyers for Public Justice in 1982
and served as president of that group from 1997 to 1998; other
organizations to benefit from his involvement were the Association
of Trial Lawyers of America, which he served as president, and the
American Constitution Society for Law and Policy, of which he was a
founding board member; in addition, he was a staunch supporter of
Public Citizen and People for the American Way; and
WHEREAS, Fred Baron stepped down from his firm in December
2002 to focus his efforts on politics and charitable causes; he
played a major role in raising funds for the Kerry/Edwards ticket in
2004, and he served as national finance chair for John Edwards in
both of his runs for the presidency; in 2005, Mr. Baron founded the
Texas Democratic Trust, which has greatly assisted the state's
Democratic Party; and
WHEREAS, Together with his wife, Lisa Blue-Baron, Fred Baron
created the Baron and Blue Foundation, which works with area
organizations to eliminate homelessness and address the needs of
the underserved; the couple also gave over the first floor of their
home to religious, philanthropic, and cultural organizations,
welcoming their fund-raisers and other events; the depth of Mr.
Baron's empathy for those in distress was demonstrated yet again in
the wake of Hurricane Katrina, when he spent many days at Reunion
Arena taking food and other supplies to the refugees there,
listening to their stories, and helping them in whatever way he
could; and
WHEREAS, The recipient of myriad accolades, this
distinguished Texan was named a "Legal Legend" by Texas Lawyer,
designated one of the "100 Most Influential Lawyers in the U.S." by
the National Law Journal, and presented with an Outstanding Service
Award by the William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law at
The University of Texas School of Law; in 2001, his alma mater
established the Frederick M. Baron Chair in Law in recognition of
his contributions to the school and his remarkable accomplishments;
and
WHEREAS, The impact of Fred Baron's life extended far and
wide; he fought relentlessly for the safety of ordinary citizens,
gave abundantly of his resources in behalf of others, and sought to
ensure that government would also serve those less fortunate, and
he will indeed be missed; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Frederick Martin
Baron and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to
his wife, Lisa Blue-Baron; to his children, Andrew Baron, Courtney
Baron and her husband, Brad Singer, and Alessandra, Caroline, and
Nathalie Baron; to his granddaughter, Liza; to his brother, Robert
Baron, and his sister, Joan Baron; 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 Frederick
Martin Baron.