SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 392
In Memory
of
Tom Vandergriff
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the
citizens of Arlington in mourning the loss of longtime mayor and
civic icon Tom Vandergriff, who died December 30, 2010, at the
age of 84; and
WHEREAS, Tom Vandergriff played a vital role in
transforming Arlington from a small town to a thriving city that
is home to major industry and a key destination for sports and
recreation; and
WHEREAS, Born January 29, 1926, in Carrollton, Mr. Vandergriff
was a 1943 graduate of Arlington High School, where he was voted
most likely to succeed; he went on to attend Northwestern
University and Southern Methodist University before earning a
degree from the University of Southern California; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Vandergriff entered public life at the young
age of 23 as president of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce; he
learned that General Motors was seeking to build a new assembly
plant and ran for mayor to better represent Arlington's interests
in acquiring this important addition to its economy; thanks to
his untiring efforts, General Motors chose Arlington as the site
for its new facility; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Vandergriff served as Arlington's mayor for 26
years and was active in bringing numerous recreational
attractions to the city; he was instrumental in the creation of
Six Flags Over Texas, and he successfully courted the Washington
Senators, who relocated to Arlington and became the Texas
Rangers; and
WHEREAS, He oversaw the fund-raising campaign to build
Arlington Memorial Hospital and served as chair of its board for
37 years; he also worked to expand Arlington State College into
the four-year institution that became The University of Texas at
Arlington, and he was instrumental in the formation of the North
Central Texas Council of Governments, serving as its first
president and as a board member for 15 years; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Vandergriff served a term in the United States
House of Representatives and later won election as a Tarrant
County judge, a position he held until his retirement; his
longstanding commitment to public service has served as an
example to all who had the privilege of knowing him; and
WHEREAS, He was a man of vision, strength, and untiring
energy, and he gave generously to others; his dedication to his
hometown and his ability to relate to people from all walks of
life played an important part in creating the legacy of
leadership for which he will be long remembered; and
WHEREAS, He was a devoted husband, father, and
grandfather, and his family and friends will forever cherish the
treasured memories of his life and his many achievements; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd
Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved
family and friends of Tom Vandergriff: his children, Victor
Vandergriff, Vanessa Watters, Valerie Kelton, and Viveca
Vandergriff; his sister, Virginia Deering; and his five
grandchildren; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
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 Tom Vandergriff.
Harris, Davis
________________________________
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
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate