TITLE: In memory of Michael Gilles Purgason of Arlington.

SUMMARY: In memory of Michael Gilles Purgason of Arlington.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Words cannot express the sorrow felt at the loss of Michael Gilles Purgason of Arlington, who died on July 13, 2012, at the age of 21; and WHEREAS, Michael Purgason was born in Arlington on December 28, 1990, to Thomas and Michele Purgason; he attended Mansfield Summit High School, where he served on the student council and helped found the Republican Club; an excellent athlete, he played baseball and basketball and managed the girls' volleyball team; he graduated summa cum laude in 2009; and WHEREAS, Mr. Purgason went on to attend The University of Texas at Austin, where he majored in English and biology; passionate about volleyball, he was a mainstay of the UT Men's Club Volleyball team, serving as president during the 2011-2012 school year; he was also an enthusiastic supporter of the athletic activities of his brother, Nicholas, and his sister, Ashley, and of the Lady Longhorns volleyball team; and WHEREAS, Following in the family tradition of his father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle, Mr. Purgason sought a career in medicine as a means to express his compassion for others and his deep religious faith, and he had recently applied to medical school with the intention of becoming a primary care physician; at the time of his death, he was already conducting biomedical research at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston; and WHEREAS, Known affectionately as "Purgy," this gifted and charismatic young man was a devoted son, a loving brother, and a fiercely loyal friend, and the memory of his generosity toward others, keen intelligence, and joie de vivre will continue to inspire all those who knew and loved him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 83rd Legislature of the State of Texas hereby pay tribute to the life of Michael Gilles Purgason and extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his parents, Thomas and Michele Purgason; to his brother, Nicholas Purgason; to his sister, Ashley Purgason; to his grandmother, Doris Purgason; 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 and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of Michael Gilles Purgason. Zedler President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 22 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on February 18, 2013. Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 22 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the Senate on March 5, 2013. Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: Date Governor