TITLE: In memory of Phillip J. "Phil" Gerik of Waco.

SUMMARY: In memory of Phillip J. "Phil" Gerik of Waco.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Family and friends will long cherish their memories of Phillip J. Gerik of Waco, who passed away on December 21, 2020, at the age of 71; and WHEREAS, Phil Gerik was born to John and JoAnn Gerik on October 1, 1949, in Waco and grew up with a sister, Karen, and three brothers, Tom, Mike, and John; a graduate of West High School, he continued his education at Lamar University, where he earned an undergraduate degree in kinesiology, and he went on to complete a master's degree in educational administration and superintendency at East Texas State University in Commerce; and WHEREAS, In the course of his 48 years in education, Mr. Gerik served as a teacher and coach in the Mesquite and Northside school districts and as an athletic director and principal in the West Independent School District; he also led Mount Calm ISD as its superintendent, and he most recently held the role of field service agent for Education Service Center Region 12; he further contributed to his profession as president of both the National and Texas Rural Education Associations; and WHEREAS, Valuing family above all else, Mr. Gerik shared nearly half a century of marriage with his wife, Cathy, and he was a devoted father to their children, Matthew and Pam; with the passing years, he had the pleasure of seeing his family grow to include two grandchildren, McKinley and Mason; and WHEREAS, Those fortunate enough to have known Phil Gerik will remember the way he touched their lives with his kindness, generosity, and delightful sense of humor, and he will forever hold a treasured place in their hearts; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Phillip J. Gerik 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 adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Phil Gerik. Kacal Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 142 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on October 18, 2021. Chief Clerk of the House