TITLE: In memory of Robert David Rogers of Dallas.

SUMMARY: In memory of Robert David Rogers of Dallas.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The city of Dallas lost an admired businessman and philanthropist with the death of Robert David Rogers on June 11, 2013, at the age of 77; and WHEREAS, Born in Hartford, Connecticut, on June 10, 1936, Bob Rogers was the son of Ralph and Mary Nell Rogers; he grew up in New England and Palm Beach, Florida, before moving to Dallas in 1950; after earning his bachelor's degree in economics at Yale University, he went on to complete his MBA at Harvard University, where he was a Baker Scholar and graduated with high distinction; he served as an ensign and lieutenant junior grade in the United States Navy from 1958 to 1960; and WHEREAS, Mr. Rogers began his career as assistant to the regional manager of the George A. Fuller Company in Dallas and then joined Texas Industries, the company founded by his father; initially, he was based in France as general manager of European operations, and he returned to Dallas in 1964 to become vice president of finance; four years later, he was named vice president of operations, and he succeeded his father as president in 1970; he built the firm into one of the nation's major suppliers of heavy construction materials before retiring as president and chief executive officer in 2004; and WHEREAS, Through the years, Mr. Rogers served in leadership roles for numerous organizations and companies; he was chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas and of the Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce, and he was a director of Con-way, Adams Golf, Braniff International Airways, and the American Business Conference; in 2002, he was inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame; and WHEREAS, This dynamic Texan furthered the charitable legacy begun by his parents through his involvement in a number of worthy causes; particularly devoted to medicine and education, he was a director of the Naval Postgraduate School Foundation and served on the boards of St. Mark's School of Texas, the Greenhill School, Bishop College, and Skidmore College; moreover, he was a member of the executive board of the Edwin L. Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University, where he taught as an adjunct professor from 2000 to 2004; his support of The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center included service as a trustee of the Southwestern Medical Foundation and as a member of the center's Board of Visitors for University Hospitals and Clinics; and WHEREAS, A talented golfer, Mr. Rogers was a member of the United States Seniors Golf Association and developed many close friendships through his favorite sport; he belonged to the Preston Trail, Brook Hollow, Monterey Peninsula, and Pine Valley golf clubs, and he loved to play challenging courses around the world; eager to share the game with others, he particularly cherished his weekly outing with his grandson James; he also enjoyed traveling to far-flung destinations, and he graciously invited relatives and close friends to accompany him on wonderful trips; in addition, he was a fan of baseball and the Texas Rangers, and he relished a friendly game of backgammon and time spent with his faithful dog, Tanner; and WHEREAS, Bob Rogers had a lasting and positive influence on the city of Dallas through his professional accomplishments and civic engagement; although he will be deeply missed, those who were privileged to know him will forever treasure their memories of his keen intelligence, his wit, and his generosity; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of Robert David Rogers and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife of 24 years, Margaret Jonsson Rogers; to his children, David Rogers and his wife, Linda, Mary Rhoades and her husband, James, and Jamie Rogers and his wife, Anne; to his stepchildren, Laura and David Cole, Emily and David Corrigan, and Erik and Hilary Charlton; to his brothers, John Rogers and his wife, Alice, Richard Rogers and his wife, Ellen, and William Rogers and his wife, Buff; to his 14 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 Bob Rogers. Branch Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 232 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on June 25, 2013. Chief Clerk of the House