SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 715
In Memory
of
Andrew R. Ramirez Sr.
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the
citizens of Austin in mourning the loss of Andrew R. Ramirez Sr.,
who died April 17, 2015, at the age of 73; and
WHEREAS, Andy Ramirez was born in 1942 in East Austin to
David and Oralia Ramirez; he served the nation with distinction
as a member of the United States Navy, and he attended The
University of Texas; he went on to organize labor strikes during
the 1960s and to help elect many of Austin's best-known Hispanic
politicians; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Ramirez was at the center of a number of
Austin's social justice initiatives; he was a leader in the
historic Economy Furniture strike, and he was instrumental in the
implementation of President Lyndon Johnson's War on Poverty
through his service in the governor's office; he later served as
assistant city manager for human development programs, where his
leadership and his ability to bring in millions of dollars in
grants had a profound impact on the delivery of vital public
services; and
WHEREAS, He went on to develop commercial properties and
was a founder of the Avante Corporation, which built corporate
office buildings in San Antonio and Austin; he also established
Rz and Associates, Incorporated, to serve as a business
partnership and consulting firm for new Hispanic enterprises; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to his work as a community leader, he
founded the Bellas Artes Alliance, an organization dedicated to
promoting Latino arts and culture at the South by Southwest
Festival and throughout the year; and
WHEREAS, A man of courage, strength, and tenacity, he gave
unselfishly to others, and his wisdom, his keen intellect, and
his commitment to public service will not be forgotten; and
WHEREAS, He was devoted to his large and loving extended
family, 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, 84th
Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved
family of Andrew R. Ramirez Sr.; 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 Andy Ramirez.
Watson
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 5, 2015, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate