SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 32
In Memory
of
Robert A. Torres Sr.
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and
commemorates the life of Robert A. Torres Sr., a beloved member
of the Brownsville community, who died November 29, 2015, at the
age of 81; and
WHEREAS, Bob Torres was born in Brownsville on
July 25, 1934; he was a 1952 honors graduate of Brownsville High
School, and he furthered his studies at Texas Southmost College
in Brownsville and at Southwest Texas State University, where he
majored in speech and was on the debate team; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Torres had a successful career in real estate
that spanned 30 years, and he was a professor at the American
College of Real Estate for four years; in 1986, he cofounded the
G. M. S. Waste Disposal Company, which continues to provide
services to the City of Brownsville; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Torres dedicated much of his life to
fostering international understanding between Mexico and the
United States, and he demonstrated his love of Mexican culture as
a founding member of the Mr. Amigo Association; in 1971, he
became the first Mexican American president of the association,
and over the years, he was involved in the selection of more than
30 Mr. Amigos; he played an integral role in coordinating and
establishing live television coverage of Charro Days, Mr. Amigo,
and Fiestas Mexicanas events to audiences in 20 countries; and
WHEREAS, Bob Torres shared 58 years of marriage with Rachel
G. Torres, and they were blessed with two children and three
grandchildren; Mrs. Torres shared her husband's love of their
familial culture and heritage, and they worked together in
numerous capacities to foster support for the Matamoros and
Brownsville communities; they were both honored with Ohtli
Awards, the highest honor bestowed by the Mexican government to a
non-Mexican citizen, and they were named the 2015 Grand Marshals
of the Charro Days Parade; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Torres was a man of deep spiritual devotion who
held leadership positions at Saint Mary's, Saint Luke's, and Sacred
Heart Churches; he was honored on numerous occasions for his
extraordinary contributions to the Rio Grande Valley, and his
multicultural legacy will continue to inspire people on both sides
of the border for generations to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby extend sincere
condolences to the bereaved family of Robert A. Torres 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 Robert Torres.
Lucio
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on July 19, 2017, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate