SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 375
In Memory
of
Morris Jay Beachy
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the
citizens of Austin in mourning the loss of Dr. Morris Jay Beachy,
who died February 6, 2011, at the age of 82; and
WHEREAS, Born on May 11, 1928, in Nampa, Idaho, Morris Beachy
earned his bachelor's degree at Colorado State University, where he
met his beloved wife of 60 years, Frances; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his educational years, he performed as
a baritone soloist in operas, oratorios, and recitals; he started
conducting in 1947 and earned his master's degree at the
University of Oregon; he received a doctorate in voice at the
University of Southern California; and
WHEREAS, In 1957, he joined the music faculty as a
conductor at The University of Texas at Austin; during his
tenure, he served on the conducting faculty and was an advisor to
the Graduate Programs in Choral Music; on the international
level, he presented concerts in Europe, the Middle East, Mexico,
and South America; and
WHEREAS, He founded the Chamber Singers and took its
members on a tour of Europe and the Middle East in 1966; the group
was consistently ranked among the best in the nation, and in
1979, the Chamber Singers were gold medal winners at the
Villa-Lobos International Festival in Rio de Janeiro; and
WHEREAS, He was a well-known powerhouse on the national and
international choral scene; in 1993, he retired from The
University of Texas at Austin as the Morton H. Meyerson Professor
Emeritus; he continued to conduct the Austin Choral Union, which
performed with the Austin Symphony, and in 2003, he was inducted
into the Austin Arts Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, He was a man of many talents and interests; in
addition to music, he studied astronomy, archeology, foreign
languages, and poetry; he was an environmentalist who loved the
planet Earth, its beauty, and its animals; he was a dreamer, an
explorer, and a mentor to many; and
WHEREAS, He was an exemplary gentleman who lived his life
to the fullest, and he leaves behind memories that will be
treasured forever by all who were privileged to share in his
life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd
Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved
family of Dr. Morris Jay Beachy: his wife, Frances; his
daughters, Diana Rutledge and Sylvia Beachy; his brother, Dr.
William Beachy; his sister, Irene Radford; and his grandson,
Spencer Rutledge; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
the members of his family as an expression of deepest sympathy
from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this
day, it do so in memory of Dr. Morris Beachy.
Watson
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 28, 2011,
by a rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate