TITLE: In memory of Robert Otto Dittmar II of Kerrville.

SUMMARY: In memory of Robert Otto Dittmar II of Kerrville.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The State of Texas lost an admired veterinarian and dedicated public servant with the death of Robert Otto Dittmar II of Kerrville on August 8, 2020, at the age of 64; and WHEREAS, Born in Fredericksburg on October 18, 1955, to Irene Hopf Dittmar and Robert O. Dittmar I, Bob Dittmar grew up in Harper as a fifth-generation rancher; his dedication to livestock and wildlife prompted him to attend Texas A&M University, where he completed both his bachelor's and veterinary degrees; on August 18, 1979, he married his childhood sweetheart, Bernadine, and they became the parents of a son, Robert "Trey," and a daughter, Whitney; he was later blessed with four grandchildren, Hayden, Paige, Kimber, and Levi; and WHEREAS, Dr. Dittmar practiced in Weslaco and Hondo before buying the Kerrville Veterinary Clinic in 1982; deeply committed to the health of animals large and small, he stood ready to care for them at any hour; in 2014, he was hired as the first state wildlife veterinarian of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and he worked tirelessly with landowners, hunters, biologists, and others to advance natural resource conservation; he was an expert on chronic wasting disease in deer, and he was passionate about the relocation of Texas bighorn sheep and pronghorn; over the years, he generously shared his knowledge as director of the Texas Wildlife Association, as a member of TPWD committees, and as a volunteer instructor for the South Texas Buckskin Brigade, Learning Across New Dimensions in Science, and other groups; in his local community, Dr. Dittmar was instrumental in the development of the Doss and Harper Wildlife Management Associations and served as president and director; for many years, he was president of the Hill Country District Junior Livestock Show Association, and he was director of the Texas Farm Bureau in Kerr County; he was a member of the church council at Zion Lutheran Church as well; and WHEREAS, Bob Dittmar made a lasting, positive impact through his exceptional contributions to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and his devotion to his family, his community, and his calling will remain a source of inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to know him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 87th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby pay tribute to the life of Robert Otto Dittmar II and extend sincere sympathy 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 and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of Robert Otto Dittmar II. Cyrier President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 99 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on April 30, 2021. Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 99 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the Senate on May 3, 2021. Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: Date Governor