TITLE: In memory of Peter Winstead of Austin.

SUMMARY: In memory of Peter Winstead of Austin.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The life of an esteemed attorney and civic leader drew to a close with the passing of Peter Winstead of Austin on August 7, 2024, at the age of 84; and WHEREAS, The son of Sam and Winifred Winstead, Pete Winstead was born in Washington, D.C., on August 6, 1940, and he grew up in Dallas with the companionship of two sisters, Connie and Betty; he graduated from Highland Park High School in 1958, and he earned a bachelor's degree from Stanford University before obtaining a juris doctor degree from The University of Texas School of Law in 1965; and WHEREAS, Mr. Winstead began his legal career in the U.S. Department of Justice Tax Division in Washington, D.C., and he gained formative experience by traveling to monitor key events in the Civil Rights Movement, which helped shape many of his beliefs and principles; in 1969, he returned to Dallas and accepted a position at the law firm of Akin, Vial, Hamilton, Koch & Tubb, and four years later, he cofounded the law firm of Winstead, McGuire & Sechrest; the practice, which later took the name Winstead PC, grew rapidly, and in 1987, he and his wife, Tomi, helped open an office in Austin, where they relocated; and WHEREAS, A skilled tax attorney, Mr. Winstead provided numerous start-up companies with guidance on financial backing, management procurement, and other legal issues, and one of his proudest professional accomplishments was guiding the initial public offering of the Dell Computer Corporation in 1988; under his able leadership, Winstead PC continued to thrive, and the firm celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023; and WHEREAS, Mr. Winstead further distinguished himself as chair of the tax sections for the Dallas Bar Association and the State Bar of Texas, and in 1997, he accepted an appointment from Governor George W. Bush to serve as the inaugural chair of the Texas Turnpike Authority; he also chaired the boards of numerous local organizations and initiatives, including the $50 million capital campaign for the Dell Seton Medical Center at UT; among his many honors, he was named Austinite of the Year by the Austin Chamber of Commerce in 2004, and he received the Jurisprudence Award from the Anti-Defamation League in 2011; and WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Winstead shared a fulfilling marriage that spanned four and a half decades; Mr. Winstead was the proud father of five children, Lynn Winstead, Sara Daun, John Winstead, Alan Ceshker, and the late Joey Ceshker; over the years, his treasured family grew to include 10 grandchildren, Talan, Joey, Avery, and Jaden Ceshker, Lainie and Luke Mabe, Reid and Brady Daun, Samuel Winstead, and the late Grayson Ceshker; and WHEREAS, Deeply devoted to his family, his profession, and his community, Pete Winstead made a meaningful difference in the lives of his loved ones and fellow citizens alike, and he will forever be a source of inspiration to those he leaves behind; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Peter Winstead and extend heartfelt condolences 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 adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Pete Winstead. Cole Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 22 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on March 13, 2025. Chief Clerk of the House