SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 12
In Memory
of
Leon A. Van Holsbeke
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the
citizens of Brownsville in mourning the loss of Leon A. Van
Holsbeke, who died May 4, 2013, at the age of 91; and
WHEREAS, Leon A. Van Holsbeke was an exemplary citizen who
was widely admired in the community for his many achievements; he
grew up in Indiana, where he developed a lifelong love of horses;
and
WHEREAS, He joined the United States Army after the attack
on Pearl Harbor and was assigned to the Quartermaster Corps,
where his passion for horses and exceptional ability to train
them for remount led to an appointment to Officer Candidate
School; he was soon commissioned as a second lieutenant and
transferred to the 124th Cavalry at Brownsville; and
WHEREAS, It was during this time that he met and married
his wife of 69 years, Sunshine; the couple was blessed with four
children and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who
were a source of great pride and joy; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Van Holsbeke served in the military for more
than 20 years; after his armed forces career, he returned to
Brownsville, where he worked for the Agricultural Research
Service until his 1982 retirement; and
WHEREAS, He was able to travel around the world with his
family as a member of the United States International Equestrian
Jumping Team; he was also an avid conservationist and an
enthusiastic fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish; and
WHEREAS, A man of courage, strength, and compassion, he
gave generously to others, and his wisdom, warmth, and valued
counsel will not be forgotten by those who knew him; and
WHEREAS, He was a devoted husband, father, and
grandfather, and he leaves behind memories that will be treasured
forever by his family and many friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
83rd Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby extend sincere
condolences to the bereaved family of Leon A. Van Holsbeke; 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 Leon A. Van Holsbeke.
Lucio
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on July 9, 2013, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate