TITLE: In memory of former Texas AFL-CIO president Henry S. "Hank" Brown of San Antonio.

SUMMARY: In memory of former Texas AFL-CIO president Henry S. "Hank" Brown of San Antonio.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Henry S. Brown of San Antonio, a legendary figure in the Texas labor movement, passed away on January 21, 2015, at the age of 94, after a lifetime of distinguished achievement in behalf of his fellow man; and WHEREAS, Born on October 24, 1920, to Stan and Sophia Brown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, "Hank" Brown fought for the values in which he believed from an early age, leaving home to serve his country as a member of the U.S. Army; he subsequently moved to San Antonio, where he first became involved in a union as a plumber's helper and then business agent with Local 142; and WHEREAS, Driven by a concern for all working men and women, Mr. Brown went on to join the Texas AFL-CIO and was named the organization's president in 1961; a masterful orator and fierce negotiator, he advocated for civil rights, helped craft an important worker's compensation law for Texas, established the Women's Activities Department, and created the United Labor Legislative Committee; during his decade-long tenure as AFL-CIO president, he also served on boards as an appointee of Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson; and WHEREAS, He left his position with the AFL-CIO to become the vice president of public relations for the American Income Life Insurance Company, but he remained extraordinarily active in labor relations well into his nineties, promoting retiree councils, inspiring others with his moving speeches, and participating in AFL-CIO conventions; and WHEREAS, In all of his endeavors, Mr. Brown enjoyed the love and support of his wife, the former Sophie Wegmann, with whom he shared a rewarding marriage that spanned 70 years; the couple were the proud parents of two sons, Henry and Gerald, and a daughter, Sophie; and WHEREAS, An unswerving leader, Hank Brown worked tirelessly throughout his life to advance the cause of the Texas AFL-CIO and the labor movement, and his contributions to aid working families will continue to benefit residents of the Lone Star State for many years to come; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Hank Brown and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his sons, Henry Brown Jr. and his wife, Judy, and Gerald Brown and his wife, Merrilou; to his daughter, Sophie McCoy, and her husband, James; to his brother, Ray Brown; to his 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; to his nieces and nephews; and to his other relatives and many friends; 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 Henry S. Brown. Martinez Fischer Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1318 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on April 9, 2015. Chief Clerk of the House