H.R. No. 1602 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, The untimely death of attorney William Dean Peisen on April 9, 2009, at the age of 51, has deeply saddened the Rio Grande Valley community and brought a great loss to his family and friends; and WHEREAS, The son of Jo Anne and George Peisen, Bill Peisen was born on October 10, 1957, in Eldora, Iowa; he graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor's degree in economics and went on to law school there, serving on the board of editors of the Iowa Law Review and graduating with distinction; and WHEREAS, Mr. Peisen was admitted to the Texas Bar in 1983 and to the bar of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas the following year; board certified in civil trial law, he focused his successful solo practice on civil trial and appellate law with an emphasis on commercial litigation, and he was greatly respected for his knowledge, his professionalism, and his confident and courteous manner in the courtroom; and WHEREAS, A dedicated civic leader, he served on the board of the McAllen Independent School District from 1996 to 2002, including one year as president; moreover, he gave generously of his time and talent for many years to the McAllen Youth Soccer League and to various school activities; he served on the board of the McAllen Airport and provided his legal counsel to St. John's Episcopal School on a pro bono basis; and WHEREAS, Known as a true gentleman, Bill Peisen won many friends with his warmth, kindness, and delightful sense of humor, and memories of him will be forever cherished by those who were privileged to share in his love and affection; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Bill Peisen and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Val Peisen; to his children, Marty, Grant, Lisa Marie, Alex, and Jessica; to his father, George Peisen; to his brother, John Peisen, and his wife, Mary; to his father-in-law, Joe LaMantia, Jr., and his wife, Derrelene; to his brothers-in-law, Joe LaMantia III and his wife, Marilyn, Greg LaMantia and his wife, Dru, Steve LaMantia and his wife, Linda, and Tony LaMantia and his wife, Jennifer; and to his many other relatives and 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 Bill Peisen. Gonzales Pea Flores Martinez Lucio III ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1602 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 4, 2009. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House