TITLE: In memory of newspaper publisher and philanthropist Edward H. Harte.

SUMMARY: In memory of newspaper publisher and philanthropist Edward H. Harte.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Admired newspaperman, philanthropist, and civic leader Edward H. Harte passed away on May 18, 2011, at the age of 88; and WHEREAS, Born in Pilot Grove, Missouri, Ed Harte was raised in San Angelo and learned the newspaper business from the ground up at the San Angelo Standard-Times,which had been purchased by his father in 1920; Mr. Harte began working as a switchboard operator and earned his stripes as a reporter before rising through the newsroom ranks to become publisher of the Corpus Christi Caller-Times in 1962; a brilliant journalist and student of Mexican politics, he created a popular Sunday column providing unique insights into current events in Mexico and continued to write it even after his retirement in 1987; Mr. Harte helped build his family's media empire and served on the board of Harte-Hanks Communications until 1997, when the company sold all its newspapers to focus on its other businesses; and WHEREAS, Mr. Harte was also a pioneer in environmental conservation; he served on a committee that developed the first municipal regulations setting limits on oil and gas drilling in Corpus Christi Bay, which later became a model for state and federal standards, and he was a powerful advocate for the establishment of Mustang Island State Park and Padre Island National Seashore; a member of the National Audubon Society board and a former chair, he received the organization's highest award, the Audubon Medal; he joined with his brother, Houston, to donate their 66,000-acre ranch to the Nature Conservancy, and the land was subsequently added to Big Bend National Park; and WHEREAS, Through the years, Mr. Harte and his wife, Janet, made numerous anonymous donations to worthy causes, focusing on the environment, the arts, education, women's health care, and the homeless; it was revealed in 1998 that the couple had given at least $20 million to such causes, including a $1 million challenge grant to Corpus Christi Metro Ministries to avert the closing of two shelters, along with generous support for a library in Flour Bluff and a performing arts center at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi; with characteristic vision, Mr. Harte donated $46 million in 2000 to establish the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies at TAMU-Corpus Christi; its researchers have made vital contributions to marine science and have played an important, ongoing role in the response to the massive 2010 BP oil spill; when the Naval Air Station and Corpus Christi Army Depot were threatened with closure, Mr. Harte used his considerable influence to keep them open; and WHEREAS, Ed Harte left an extraordinary legacy for the people of Corpus Christi, the Lone Star State, the Gulf Coast, and beyond; although this kind, witty, and unassuming man will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him, his tremendous devotion to environmental and charitable causes will continue to resonate in the years to come; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Edward H. Harte and extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his children, Christopher Harte, William Harte, Elizabeth Owens, and Julia Widdowson; to his brother, Houston Harte; to his nine grandchildren, his great-grandchild, and his two step-grandchildren; and to his other relatives and 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 Edward H. Harte. Hunter Scott Aliseda Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2357 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 30, 2011. Chief Clerk of the House