TITLE: In memory of Tom Vandergriff of Arlington.

SUMMARY: In memory of Tom Vandergriff of Arlington.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of Arlington in mourning the loss of longtime mayor and civic icon Tom Vandergriff, who died December 30, 2010, at the age of 84; and WHEREAS, Tom Vandergriff played a vital role in transforming Arlington from a small town to a thriving city that is home to major industry and a key destination for sports and recreation; and WHEREAS, Born January 29, 1926, in Carrollton, Mr. Vandergriff was a 1943 graduate of Arlington High School, where he was voted most likely to succeed; he went on to attend Northwestern University and Southern Methodist University before earning a degree from the University of Southern California; and WHEREAS, Mr. Vandergriff entered public life at the young age of 23 as president of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce; he learned that General Motors was seeking to build a new assembly plant and ran for mayor to better represent Arlington's interests in acquiring this important addition to its economy; thanks to his untiring efforts, General Motors chose Arlington as the site for its new facility; and WHEREAS, Mr. Vandergriff served as Arlington's mayor for 26 years and was active in bringing numerous recreational attractions to the city; he was instrumental in the creation of Six Flags Over Texas, and he successfully courted the Washington Senators, who relocated to Arlington and became the Texas Rangers; and WHEREAS, He oversaw the fund-raising campaign to build Arlington Memorial Hospital and served as chair of its board for 37 years; he also worked to expand Arlington State College into the four-year institution that became The University of Texas at Arlington, and he was instrumental in the formation of the North Central Texas Council of Governments, serving as its first president and as a board member for 15 years; and WHEREAS, Mr. Vandergriff served a term in the United States House of Representatives and later won election as a Tarrant County judge, a position he held until his retirement; his longstanding commitment to public service has served as an example to all who had the privilege of knowing him; and WHEREAS, He was a man of vision, strength, and untiring energy, and he gave generously to others; his dedication to his hometown and his ability to relate to people from all walks of life played an important part in creating the legacy of leadership for which he will be long remembered; and WHEREAS, He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and his family and friends will forever cherish the treasured memories of his life and his many achievements; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family and friends of Tom Vandergriff: his children, Victor Vandergriff, Vanessa Watters, Valerie Kelton, and Viveca Vandergriff; his sister, Virginia Deering; and his five grandchildren; 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 Tom Vandergriff. Harris, Davis President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 28, 2011, by a rising vote.