TITLE: In memory of Dr. Richard Peterson McDonald of Amarillo.

SUMMARY: In memory of Dr. Richard Peterson McDonald of Amarillo.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Texas cattle industry lost an important leader with the passing of Dr. Richard Peterson McDonald of Amarillo on October 29, 2010, at the age of 66; and WHEREAS, Born on February 21, 1944, in Clifton to Roy and Werner McDonald, Richard McDonald grew up in San Benito and served as president of his high school's FFA program for two years and as chair of the state 4-H Council; he graduated from Texas A&M University in 1966 with a bachelor's degree in animal science and then earned a master's degree and a doctorate in nutrition, animal breeding, and statistics from Louisiana State University; and WHEREAS, After completing his education, Dr. McDonald served as an area livestock specialist in Dallas for the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, and in 1974, he joined the staff of the Texas Cattle Feeders Association in Amarillo; he actively represented the interests of the TCFA before the Texas Legislature and regulatory agencies, developing a reputation as a credible, reliable, and trustworthy advocate; in 1988, he became president and CEO of the association and held those posts for nearly two decades; and WHEREAS, Known for his ability to build consensus among TCFA members and to solve problems by collaborating with others, Dr. McDonald helped transform the cattle industry into a vital component of United States agriculture and the national economy; today, TCFA members in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico sell some seven million head of cattle annually and produce approximately 30 percent of the nation's fed beef; and WHEREAS, Dr. McDonald was a founding member of the Texas Agriculture Council and served as its chair for several years; he received many honors for his work, including the first Industry Leadership Award from the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame, the Blue and Gold Award from Texas FFA, and awards from the Texas County Agricultural Agents Association, Texas A&M University, and Texas Tech University; and WHEREAS, Following his retirement in 2006, Dr. McDonald served as a consultant with the McCormick Company; he was appointed by Governor Rick Perry to the Canadian River Compact Commission in 2009, and he held a seat on the West Texas A&M University Foundation Board; in addition, he gave back to his community through his work with the Boy Scouts, and he was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Amarillo; and WHEREAS, The Richard McDonald Leadership Institute has been established to honor Dr. McDonald's legacy in the cattle industry; administered through the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, the program will offer leadership development and training for young people involved with cattle organizations across the United States; and WHEREAS, In all of his endeavors, Dr. McDonald was supported by his loving wife, Sharon; the couple enjoyed more than 30 years together and raised four children, Lyle, Lanny, Kelly, and Lori; and WHEREAS, While the death of Dr. McDonald has brought immeasurable sorrow to his family and friends, he leaves behind a record of exceptional achievement that will long be remembered by all who were privileged to know him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Dr. Richard Peterson McDonald and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Sharon; to his sons, Lanny McDonald and his wife, Deanna, and Lyle McDonald and his wife, Myra; to his daughter, Lori Price, and her husband, Danny; to his daughter-in-law, Kerri McDonald; to his brothers, Roy McDonald and his wife, Rhea, and Robert McDonald and his wife, Darleen; to his sister-in-law, Sandra Woodward, and her husband, Tom; to his 12 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 Dr. McDonald. Chisum Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2821 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 30, 2011. Chief Clerk of the House