H.R. No. 2624
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Family and friends are mourning the loss of Dr. Kent
Butler, noted regional planner and professor at The University of
Texas at Austin, who tragically passed away on May 13, 2011, at the
age of 60; and
WHEREAS, An associate dean in the school of architecture and
director of the graduate program in community and regional
planning, Kent Butler focused on solutions that balanced community
water needs with the preservation of water and wildlife; he served
on commissions and negotiated with developers, helping to manage
Austin's growth, and he was instrumental in creating the Barton
Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District as well as the
Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, one of the largest urban preserves
in the United States; described by colleagues as highly influential
in his field, he was also known for his positive attitude and love
of nature; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Butler earned his bachelor's and master's
degrees and his doctorate from the University of Wisconsin and came
to UT in 1978; in recent years, he secured more than $3 million in
funding for environmental planning research and programs
addressing issues in areas throughout Texas; in all of his
endeavors, he enjoyed the love and support of his wife, Christy, and
he took pride in a fine family that includes four children, Lana,
Emily, Josh, and Nick; and
WHEREAS, The passion and generosity of spirit that Kent
Butler brought to every undertaking endeared him deeply to all who
knew him, and memories of him will be forever treasured by those who
were privileged to share in his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Dr. Kent Butler and
extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife,
Christy; to his children, Lana Butler, Emily Butler, Josh Butler,
and Nick Kincaid; to his son-in-law, Dave Kaz; to his brother, Bruce
Butler; to his sister-in-law, Phyllis Butler; to his sister, Lind
Butler; to his brother-in-law, Bill Connolly; 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 Dr. Kent
Butler.
Naishtat
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 2624 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on May 30, 2011.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House