TITLE: In memory of former Arlington city council member Gene Patrick.

SUMMARY: In memory of former Arlington city council member Gene Patrick.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Citizens of Arlington lost an admired civic leader with the passing of former council member Franklin Eugene Patrick on September 8, 2012, at the age of 72; and WHEREAS, The son of Vertis and Martha Patrick, Gene Patrick was born in Cleburne on July 16, 1940; he moved to Arlington at the age of 11 and graduated from Arlington High School before going on to attend The University of Texas at Arlington; and WHEREAS, Mr. Patrick found employment with the Great Southwest Corporation after college and was a member of the original Six Flags Over Texas staff; this marked the beginning of a distinguished 30-year career as a creative executive for theme parks and entertainment venues around the world; known for his expertise in design, costuming, and animation, he rose to become vice president of Marriott's Great America parks before his retirement in 1985; he subsequently moved back to Arlington and founded his own companies, GP Show Productions and Showtek Corporation; his client list included Six Flags AstroWorld in Houston, the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Hershey's Chocolate World in Pennsylvania, and an indoor theme park in China; and WHEREAS, For more than a quarter-century, Mr. Patrick was highly engaged in civic life, focusing particularly on downtown revitalization and the arts; he served three terms on the Arlington Planning and Zoning Commission and was president of the original Downtown Arlington, Inc., as well as a member of the Downtown Arlington Revitalization Committee; in 2003, he was elected to the first of five terms on the city council, a position that allowed him to work even harder for the betterment of Arlington; although health issues obliged him to resign in November 2011, he continued to follow matters of concern to the city and generously shared his knowledge with others; and WHEREAS, This dynamic Texan further served his community through the years as a Rotarian and as a member of the boards of the chamber of commerce, the Chamber Foundation, the Arlington Community Band, Theatre Arlington, the Arlington Museum of Art, and the American Heart Association; moreover, he served on the UTA Development Board and the UTA Liberal Arts Board; in 1999, he and his wife, Penny, purchased the former Chamber of Commerce building to aid the chamber's expansion into a new office complex and donated use of the building to Theatre Arlington for its administrative offices and education center; and WHEREAS, A man of great faith, Mr. Patrick was a valued member of First United Methodist Church for over 50 years and served as board trustee chair; he played trumpet in the band and orchestra, sang in the choir, and arranged the music for many church concerts and holiday events; and WHEREAS, Gene Patrick made a lasting, positive difference in Arlington through his vision and selfless commitment, and although he is deeply missed, his love for his community will continue to inspire his fellow citizens; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Franklin Eugene Patrick and extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his wife, Penny Jo Patrick; to his six children and four grandchildren; and to his many other relatives and friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Gene Patrick. Patrick Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 975 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on March 27, 2013. Chief Clerk of the House