TITLE: In memory of Thomas David Kirksey.

SUMMARY: In memory of Thomas David Kirksey.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of Austin in mourning the loss of Dr. Thomas David Kirksey, who died March 17, 2013; and WHEREAS, Tom Kirksey was born in China in 1932 to Colonel Oscar Thweatt Kirksey and Susan Iola Dailey; he was married to his wife, Gene, for 54 years, and the couple raised four daughters, who blessed them with five grandchildren and a great-grandchild; and WHEREAS, Dr. Kirksey earned his medical degree and performed his residency at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston; from 1966 through 1968, he served in the United States Army, where he helped design a burn patient evacuation system; and WHEREAS, In 1969, Dr. Kirksey moved to Austin, where he was a pioneer in the field of cardiothoracic and vascular surgery; while serving as director of medical education at Brackenridge Hospital, he helped develop a university-affiliated graduate medical program that enabled the hospital to continue its educational program and helped establish the Central Texas Medical Foundation; and WHEREAS, He was a passionate advocate for indigent care and played a significant role in the establishment of Emergency Medical Services in the 1970s; he was active in numerous professional organizations and served as president of the Travis County Medical Society and as chair of the Credentials Committee of the American College of Surgeons; he was named Physician of the Year in 1999 by the Travis County Medical Society; and WHEREAS, A man of courage, strength, and compassion, he gave generously to others, and his commitment to his profession and his enthusiasm for living each day to the fullest will not be forgotten by those who were privileged to share in his life; 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, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Dr. Thomas David Kirksey; 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 Dr. Thomas David Kirksey. Watson President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 4, 2013, by a rising vote.