TITLE: In memory of Leon A. Van Holsbeke.

SUMMARY: In memory of Leon A. Van Holsbeke.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of Brownsville in mourning the loss of Leon A. Van Holsbeke, who died May 4, 2013, at the age of 91; and WHEREAS, Leon A. Van Holsbeke was an exemplary citizen who was widely admired in the community for his many achievements; he grew up in Indiana, where he developed a lifelong love of horses; and WHEREAS, He joined the United States Army after the attack on Pearl Harbor and was assigned to the Quartermaster Corps, where his passion for horses and exceptional ability to train them for remount led to an appointment to Officer Candidate School; he was soon commissioned as a second lieutenant and transferred to the 124th Cavalry at Brownsville; and WHEREAS, It was during this time that he met and married his wife of 69 years, Sunshine; the couple was blessed with four children and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were a source of great pride and joy; and WHEREAS, Mr. Van Holsbeke served in the military for more than 20 years; after his armed forces career, he returned to Brownsville, where he worked for the Agricultural Research Service until his 1982 retirement; and WHEREAS, He was able to travel around the world with his family as a member of the United States International Equestrian Jumping Team; he was also an avid conservationist and an enthusiastic fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish; and WHEREAS, A man of courage, strength, and compassion, he gave generously to others, and his wisdom, warmth, and valued counsel will not be forgotten by those who knew him; and WHEREAS, He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and he leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by his family and many friends; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Leon A. Van Holsbeke; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Leon A. Van Holsbeke. Lucio President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on July 9, 2013, by a rising vote.