81R5840 JH-D
By: Solomons H.R. No. 414
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The family, friends, and colleagues of Michael C.
Barrett of Dallas are mourning the loss of this respected attorney
and philanthropist who passed away on January 11, 2009, at the age
of 64; and
WHEREAS, A widely recognized authority on the subject of
mortgage banking law, Mr. Barrett founded the firm of Barrett
Daffin Frappier Turner & Engel as well as a related company, NDEx
Holdings, both of which specialized in mortgage banking, and he was
often asked to share his expertise on that subject with lawmakers
and court judges; and
WHEREAS, Michael Barrett was born in Salt Lake City, Utah,
and grew up in Sherman, Texas; he was a free spirit in his youth,
spending time in California and Las Vegas, among other locales,
before returning to Texas; he enrolled at The University of Texas at
Arlington, earning a bachelor's degree in 1974 and a master's degree
the following year, and he went on to complete his legal studies at
the Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University in 1977;
and
WHEREAS, Opting to remain in Dallas as he began his career as
an attorney, Mr. Barrett was a litigation associate at Johnson,
Shanklin, Billings, Kelton & Porter and at the law offices of
William F. Billings; in 1980, he moved to Riddle & Brown, attaining
the position of vice president, director, and chair of the
litigation department before launching his own firm a decade later;
his stature in the legal community was further reflected in his
positions as chairman emeritus of National Default Exchange and as
a member of the executive board for the Dedman School of Law; and
WHEREAS, This compassionate benefactor was a strong
supporter of numerous charitable causes; he was especially
enthusiastic about organizations that assisted families and
children, including the Hope's Door shelter, Special Olympics,
KickStart, and the Dallas Junior Forum, and he founded the BDF
Homeworks Foundation to help underwrite local charities; and
WHEREAS, Renowned for his astute business insight, Michael
Barrett also inspired others with his leadership in promoting
worthwhile community initiatives, and he leaves behind a legacy of
accomplishment that will resonate for years to come; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Michael C. Barrett and
extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his
wife, Jacqueline M. Barrett; to his son, Paul A. Barrett; to his
sister, Suzanne Glidden; and to his 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 Michael
Barrett.