85R8547 BPG-D
By: Gonzales of Williamson H.C.R. No. 126
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The State of Texas lost an admired public servant
with the untimely death of Dana Sean Shurtleff of Georgetown on July
30, 2016, at the age of 34; and
WHEREAS, Born in Fort Worth on May 26, 1982, Sean Shurtleff
was the son of Dana Charles Shurtleff and Paula Clark; he attended
Dallas Baptist University, where he met his future wife, Anna, and
went on to graduate from John Brown University with honors; in 2007,
he earned a master's degree in government with honors from Regent
University; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Shurtleff joined the Texas Sunset Advisory
Commission as a policy analyst in September 2009, and he was
involved in significant reviews of many state agencies, including
the Public Utility Commission, Texas Commission on Environmental
Quality, Texas Lottery Commission, and Department of Assistive and
Rehabilitative Services; he was project manager of the Sunset
review of the Office of Fire Fighters' Pension Commissioner, which
resulted in the abolishment of that office in 2013, and although the
process was at times contentious, he handled it with characteristic
professionalism and grace; most recently, he managed reviews of the
State Bar and the Board of Law Examiners, and even while battling
cancer, he continued to focus diligently on those projects; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure with the commission,
Mr. Shurtleff demonstrated a steadfast commitment to his
responsibilities and to his coworkers, who especially admired his
dogged enthusiasm for making government work better; he was always
thoughtful and supportive, whether stepping in to help with a
pressing assignment or lending a friendly hand with a car repair or
a move; his infectious smile brightened the days of all he
encountered, and he maintained a remarkably positive attitude even
during his illness; he worried most about the impact his challenges
would have on others, and his parting advice to his colleagues was
"Hang in there, stay the course, and be kind to one another"; and
WHEREAS, A devoted husband, Mr. Shurtleff shared a rewarding
11-year marriage with his wife, Anna, and he took great pride in his
son, William, and daughter, Elizabeth; sustained by an unwavering
faith, he was an active member of Grace Covenant Church in Austin;
in his leisure time, he avidly followed the Rangers and Cowboys, and
he loved science fiction, especially Star Trek and Star Wars, as
well as comic book heroes, particularly Superman; and
WHEREAS, Sean Shurtleff set an inspiring example through his
generosity, compassion, and dedication to public service, and he is
deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 85th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby pay tribute to the life of Dana Sean Shurtleff and extend
sincere condolences to all who mourn his passing; 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 and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of
Sean Shurtleff.