84R8365 CJM-D
By: Martinez Fischer H.R. No. 1318
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Henry S. Brown of San Antonio, a legendary figure in
the Texas labor movement, passed away on January 21, 2015, at the
age of 94, after a lifetime of distinguished achievement in behalf
of his fellow man; and
WHEREAS, Born on October 24, 1920, to Stan and Sophia Brown of
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, "Hank" Brown fought for the values in
which he believed from an early age, leaving home to serve his
country as a member of the U.S. Army; he subsequently moved to San
Antonio, where he first became involved in a union as a plumber's
helper and then business agent with Local 142; and
WHEREAS, Driven by a concern for all working men and women,
Mr. Brown went on to join the Texas AFL-CIO and was named the
organization's president in 1961; a masterful orator and fierce
negotiator, he advocated for civil rights, helped craft an
important worker's compensation law for Texas, established the
Women's Activities Department, and created the United Labor
Legislative Committee; during his decade-long tenure as AFL-CIO
president, he also served on boards as an appointee of Presidents
John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson; and
WHEREAS, He left his position with the AFL-CIO to become the
vice president of public relations for the American Income Life
Insurance Company, but he remained extraordinarily active in labor
relations well into his nineties, promoting retiree councils,
inspiring others with his moving speeches, and participating in
AFL-CIO conventions; and
WHEREAS, In all of his endeavors, Mr. Brown enjoyed the love
and support of his wife, the former Sophie Wegmann, with whom he
shared a rewarding marriage that spanned 70 years; the couple were
the proud parents of two sons, Henry and Gerald, and a daughter,
Sophie; and
WHEREAS, An unswerving leader, Hank Brown worked tirelessly
throughout his life to advance the cause of the Texas AFL-CIO and
the labor movement, and his contributions to aid working families
will continue to benefit residents of the Lone Star State for many
years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Hank Brown and
extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his sons,
Henry Brown Jr. and his wife, Judy, and Gerald Brown and his wife,
Merrilou; to his daughter, Sophie McCoy, and her husband, James; to
his brother, Ray Brown; to his 10 grandchildren and 15
great-grandchildren; to his nieces and nephews; 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 Henry S.
Brown.