Bill Text: TX HR2357 | 2011-2012 | 82nd Legislature | Enrolled


Bill Title: In memory of newspaper publisher and philanthropist Edward H. Harte.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 3-0)

Status: (Passed) 2011-05-31 - Reported enrolled [HR2357 Detail]

Download: Texas-2011-HR2357-Enrolled.html
 
 
  H.R. No. 2357
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
 
         WHEREAS, Admired newspaperman, philanthropist, and civic
  leader Edward H. Harte passed away on May 18, 2011, at the age of 88;
  and
         WHEREAS, Born in Pilot Grove, Missouri, Ed Harte was raised
  in San Angelo and learned the newspaper business from the ground up
  at the San Angelo Standard-Times, which had been purchased by his
  father in 1920; Mr. Harte began working as a switchboard operator
  and earned his stripes as a reporter before rising through the
  newsroom ranks to become publisher of the Corpus Christi
  Caller-Times in 1962; a brilliant journalist and student of Mexican
  politics, he created a popular Sunday column providing unique
  insights into current events in Mexico and continued to write it
  even after his retirement in 1987; Mr. Harte helped build his
  family's media empire and served on the board of Harte-Hanks
  Communications until 1997, when the company sold all its newspapers
  to focus on its other businesses; and
         WHEREAS, Mr. Harte was also a pioneer in environmental
  conservation; he served on a committee that developed the first
  municipal regulations setting limits on oil and gas drilling in
  Corpus Christi Bay, which later became a model for state and federal
  standards, and he was a powerful advocate for the establishment of
  Mustang Island State Park and Padre Island National Seashore; a
  member of the National Audubon Society board and a former chair, he
  received the organization's highest award, the Audubon Medal; he
  joined with his brother, Houston, to donate their 66,000-acre ranch
  to the Nature Conservancy, and the land was subsequently added to
  Big Bend National Park; and
         WHEREAS, Through the years, Mr. Harte and his wife, Janet,
  made numerous anonymous donations to worthy causes, focusing on the
  environment, the arts, education, women's health care, and the
  homeless; it was revealed in 1998 that the couple had given at least
  $20 million to such causes, including a $1 million challenge grant
  to Corpus Christi Metro Ministries to avert the closing of two
  shelters, along with generous support for a library in Flour Bluff
  and a performing arts center at Texas A&M University-Corpus
  Christi; with characteristic vision, Mr. Harte donated $46 million
  in 2000 to establish the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico
  Studies at TAMU-Corpus Christi; its researchers have made vital
  contributions to marine science and have played an important,
  ongoing role in the response to the massive 2010 BP oil spill; when
  the Naval Air Station and Corpus Christi Army Depot were threatened
  with closure, Mr. Harte used his considerable influence to keep
  them open; and
         WHEREAS, Ed Harte left an extraordinary legacy for the people
  of Corpus Christi, the Lone Star State, the Gulf Coast, and beyond;
  although this kind, witty, and unassuming man will be deeply missed
  by all who were fortunate enough to know him, his tremendous
  devotion to environmental and charitable causes will continue to
  resonate in the years to come; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
  Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Edward H. Harte and
  extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his
  children, Christopher Harte, William Harte, Elizabeth Owens, and
  Julia Widdowson; to his brother, Houston Harte; to his nine
  grandchildren, his great-grandchild, and his two
  step-grandchildren; and to his other relatives and 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 Edward H.
  Harte.
 
  Hunter
  Scott
  Aliseda
 
  ______________________________
  Speaker of the House     
 
         I certify that H.R. No. 2357 was unanimously adopted by a
  rising vote of the House on May 30, 2011.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
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