TITLE: In memory of Richard McDonald.

SUMMARY: In memory of Richard McDonald.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Richard McDonald, longtime leader of the Texas Cattle Feeders Association, who died October 29, 2010, at the age of 66; and WHEREAS, Richard McDonald was born in Clifton, Texas, on February 21, 1944, to Werner and Roy McDonald; he attended San Benito High School, where he served as president of the Future Farmers of America, and he also served as chairman of the State 4-H Council; and WHEREAS, He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1966 with a bachelor's degree in animal science; he earned a master's degree in 1969 and a doctoral degree in 1972 from Louisiana State University in animal breeding, nutrition, and statistics; and WHEREAS, He married Sharon Tolzein on October 5, 1979, and the couple had three sons, Lyle, Lanny, and Kelly, and a daughter, Lori; they were active members of First Presbyterian Church in Amarillo; and WHEREAS, Mr. McDonald joined the staff of the Texas Cattle Feeders Association in Amarillo in 1974 and served as its president and chief executive officer from 1988 until his retirement in 2006; he represented the interests of the organization's members before the Texas legislature and regulatory agencies and earned a reputation as an honorable and reliable advocate for Texas cattle feeders and Texas agriculture in general; and WHEREAS, Due to his outstanding leadership, the Texas Cattle Feeders Association has become one of the most recognized and respected cattle organizations in the United States, and he is widely credited for taking a fledgling industry and developing it into a vibrant part of the nation's economy; and WHEREAS, Mr. McDonald was a highly respected gentleman whose expertise, insightfulness, and wise guidance contributed significantly to the cattle industry; the Richard McDonald Leadership Institute has been established to honor his legacy and continue his work; administered by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, the program offers leadership development and training for young people involved with cattle organizations across the country; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life and legacy of Richard McDonald and extend sincere condolences to his bereaved family; 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 Richard McDonald. Seliger President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 27, 2011, by a rising vote.