83S20528 JNC-D
By: Villalba H.R. No. 131
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The State of Texas lost a renowned businessman and
philanthropist with the passing of Richard W. Snyder of Dallas on
July 9, 2013, at the age of 75; and
WHEREAS, Dick Snyder was born on April 12, 1938, in Kansas
City, Missouri, to Leonard Snyder and Agnes "Billie" Grittinger
Snyder; after growing up in the Midwest and graduating from high
school in Fort Wayne, Indiana, he initially undertook college
studies at Florida State University, where he was a member of the
football team; he went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Indiana
University and a master's degree in business administration from
the University of Detroit; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of his career, Mr. Snyder
distinguished himself as a skilled and innovative leader and is
best known for founding SnyderGeneral Corporation, a manufacturer
of heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and filtration
products; under his able guidance, the company grew to become one of
the largest privately held businesses of its kind in the world,
generating $1 billion in sales annually; following the sale of
SnyderGeneral in 1994, he founded SnyderCapital, an investment firm
specializing in equity investments for midsized operating
companies; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Snyder shared his expertise with a number of
professional organizations, including the American Business
Conference and the boards of the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration
Institute and the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association; he also
served as a member of the North American Free Trade Agreement Task
Force, the Federal Advisory Committee on the EC Common Approach to
Standards Testing and Certification, and the Advisory Committee for
Trade Policy and Negotiations, to which he was appointed by
President Ronald Reagan and President George H. W. Bush; and
WHEREAS, Committed to helping others, this notable Texan
established the Snyder Foundation to support public projects,
education, animal welfare, and medical research; moreover, he gave
generously to such worthwhile causes as St. Philip's School and
Community Center, SPCA of Texas, Dallas Summer Musicals, and the
American Heart Association; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Snyder enjoyed the support of a loving family in
all of his endeavors; he shared more than 50 years with his wife,
Bobbi, and the couple saw their family grow to include 3 children,
Dr. Richard Snyder II, Robert L. Snyder, and Stacey Verbeek, as well
as 10 grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Though it is impossible to gauge the full effect of a
man's life, some individuals leave their unmistakable mark on the
world as they move through it, and Dick Snyder's accomplishments as
an entrepreneur and an engaged citizen will continue to be
appreciated for many years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the memory
of Richard W. Snyder and extend sincere sympathy to the members of
his family: to his wife, Roberta "Bobbi" Snyder; to his sons,
Dr. Richard Snyder II and his wife, Dr. Shelley Hall-Snyder, and
Robert L. Snyder and his wife, Ana; to his daughter, Stacey Verbeek,
and her husband, Arnie; to his 10 grandchildren; to his brother,
Leonard Snyder, Jr., and his wife, Beulah; 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 Richard
W. Snyder.