TITLE: In memory of Mike Dipp Jr.

SUMMARY: In memory of Mike Dipp Jr.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Residents of El Paso lost an admired civic leader with the passing of Mike Dipp Jr. on June 25, 2023, at the age of 81; and WHEREAS, The son of Mary H. Dipp and entrepreneur Mike Dipp Sr., Mike Dipp Jr. was born in El Paso; he earned both a bachelor's degree in business administration and a master's degree in economics from St. Mary's University; after working for Burroughs Corporation in Detroit, he joined his family's constellation of businesses in 1968; two years later, he began managing the storied Plaza Hotel; he became a partner in its parent company, Plaza Properties, as well as managing partner and executive vice president of Coldway Storage & Warehousing and chair of Economy Wholesale Grocers; in addition, he launched his own venture, Mike Dipp Farms; he retired in 2023; and WHEREAS, Mr. Dipp worked tirelessly to develop the city's economy, restore the vibrancy of the downtown area, and strengthen business relationships across the international border; for some two decades, he was president of the El Paso Central Business Association, and he further served as vice president of the Downtown Management District and as a member of the board of the El Paso Chamber of Commerce; he was a founding member of the El Paso-Ju rez Interplex World Trade Center Association and the Paso Del Norte Group; moreover, he was president of the El Paso Chapter of the Texas Restaurant Association and a member of the boards of the Western Pecan Growers Association and other industry groups; he was president of the Coronado Kiwanis Club and generously shared his expertise with such organizations as the Texas Attorney General's Child Support Service Board, municipal committees, and advisory boards for schools and hospitals; and WHEREAS, A devout Catholic, Mr. Dipp served as chair of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, and he expressed his faith through extensive philanthropy and countless kind acts; his many accolades included the prestigious Conquistador Award from the City of El Paso, Project Amistad's humanitarian award, and a Distinguished Alumnus Award from St. Mary's University; and WHEREAS, Mike Dipp was a devoted family man and a true pillar of his community, and although he will be deeply missed, his commitment to his loved ones and to El Paso will be remembered and admired for years to come; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of Mike Dipp Jr. and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Mary Ann Dipp; to his daughters, Margaret Dipp and Michelle Detwiler and her husband, William; to his siblings, Paul, George, and Mary Jeanne Dipp and Rosalie Zogby; to 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 Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Mike Dipp Jr. Blanco President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on July 11, 2023, by a rising vote.