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