TITLE: In memory of Bill Bonham.

SUMMARY: In memory of Bill Bonham.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of former state architect and deputy executive director of the Texas Facilities Commission Bill Bonham, who died December 24, 2010, at the age of 82; and WHEREAS, Bill Bonham was born October 19, 1928, to Jarrell Cecil Bonham and Amelie Cecile Bergelle; he spent his youth in Houston and in the piney woods of East Texas, where he delighted in hunting and fishing for bass with his father; and WHEREAS, He graduated from Allen Academy in Bryan and received an appointment to West Point; he chose instead to enroll at The University of Texas and pursue an architectural degree; and WHEREAS, After graduating, he established his own practice until he joined Pan American World Airways as director of architecture for Inter-Continental Hotels, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pan Am; he later helped to found Texas-based 3D/International and build it into a major firm, serving as its president and vice chairman; and WHEREAS, Mr. Bonham subsequently established an international consulting practice before joining the Texas Facilities Commission and contributing significantly to the modernization of the state agency; and WHEREAS, His great-grandfather was the cousin of James Butler Bonham, who died defending the Alamo; he had a lifelong interest in James Bonham and eventually wrote and published the story of his life; Bill Bonham loved sailing, art, history, music, good wine and food, and anything to do with France; he made friends for Texas and the United States throughout the world, and he leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by all who knew him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby honor the memory of Bill Bonham 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 Bill Bonham. Ellis President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on January 11, 2011, by a rising vote.