SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 45
In Memory
of
Javier Garza
WHEREAS, The citizens of Laredo lost an admired community
leader with the death of Javier Garza on August 27, 2023, at the
age of 93; and
WHEREAS, Javier Garza was born to Felix Garza and Francisca
Salinas Garza on February 9, 1930; raised in Laredo, he grew up
with the companionship of a brother, Luis; he graduated from
St. Augustine High School with the Class of 1947 and later
enrolled at the Southern Methodist University Southwestern
Graduate School of Banking; and
WHEREAS, After high school, Mr. Garza joined Laredo
National Bank as a messenger, and he was soon trained in
departmental operations; he went on to rise through the ranks and
eventually became executive vice president in charge of the
international department, where he distinguished himself through
his expertise on the banking system in Mexico; though he
officially retired after 51 years of service, he continued to act
as a trusted consultant to the bank; and
WHEREAS, Active in his community, Mr. Garza gave of his
time and talents as president of the Laredo Chamber of Commerce
and the Logistics and Manufacturing Association, and he served as
chair of the board and interim executive director for the Laredo
Development Foundation, which later became the Laredo Economic
Development Corporation; moreover, he was appointed to the Texas
Economic Development and Tourism Office and the board of the
Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas; his accomplishments included
helping establish the Maquiladora twin plant system in the Laredo
area as well as the city's first cold storage facility, and he was
instrumental in developing new shipping routes for Mexican
coffee that funneled the commodity through Laredo; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his professional and civic
endeavors, Mr. Garza maintained several ranches in South Texas,
where he enjoyed hosting family and impressing guests with his
skill in making guisado; he was also an avid and expert deer
hunter; and
WHEREAS, Above all else, Mr. Garza was devoted to his wife
of 73 years, Cristina, and their children, Lauro, Adrienne,
David, and Roberto; with the passing years, he had the privilege
of seeing his family grow to include his nine grandchildren,
Evan, Cristina, Lauren, Morgan, Joseph, Laura, Mary,
Christopher, and Nicholas, and five great-grandchildren, Kai,
Sena, Nino, Roma, and Felix; and
WHEREAS, Javier Garza earned the admiration of all who knew
him, not only for his success as a business and civic leader but
also for his exceptional kindness and generosity, and he leaves
behind a legacy that will resonate in the Laredo community for
years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th
Legislature, 4th Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life
of Javier Garza and extend sincere condolences to his family and
friends; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns
this day, it do so in memory of Javier Garza.
Zaffirini
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on November 30, 2023,
by a rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate