TITLE: In memory of Robert Allan Shivers Jr.

SUMMARY: In memory of Robert Allan Shivers Jr.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Robert Allan "Bud" Shivers Jr., who died January 8, 2019, at the age of 72; and WHEREAS, Bud Shivers was born on January 21, 1946, in San Antonio, to Allan and Marialice Shivers; the son of a powerful Texas governor, he grew up in Austin, and he attended Austin public schools until 10th grade, when he left to attend the Lawrenceville School in New Jersey; and WHEREAS, Following his graduation from Lawrenceville in 1964, he returned to Austin and studied finance at The University of Texas; he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1968, and a year later, he was injured in a diving accident that left him a quadriplegic for the rest of his life; and WHEREAS, Despite his disability, Bud Shivers displayed courage, perseverance, and grace while creating an active life as a leader in the community and becoming a prominent figure in business, philanthropy, and public service; and WHEREAS, He was a private investor, and he served on the boards of numerous organizations; he was the first former patient to serve on the board of Memorial Hermann Hospital and Texas Institute for Rehabilitation Research, where his insights and perspective played an important role in enhancing the care that other patients received; and WHEREAS, He was appointed to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission by Governor Bill Clements, and he served as chair of the commission under Governors George W. Bush and Rick Perry; he was the founder and chairman of the Seton Fund, and he was chairman of the Headliners Foundation for many years; he served on the boards of Saint Edward's University, the University of Saint Thomas, the Austin Chamber of Commerce, and Texans for Lawsuit Reform; and WHEREAS, He married his beloved wife, the late Robin Ratliff Shivers, in 1978, and they enjoyed 31 years of marriage together; as a couple, they were a mainstay in the Austin civic and philanthropic scene, and they were active together in such organizations as the Seton Healthcare Family; Robin was active with American YouthWorks and was cofounder of the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians; and WHEREAS, Bud Shivers was an exemplary citizen who touched the lives of countless people through his generosity and commitment to public service; his courage in the face of adversity was an inspiration to others, and he leaves behind memories that will be cherished forever by his family and many friends; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Robert Allan Shivers Jr.; 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 Robert Allan Shivers Jr. Watson President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on January 28, 2019, by a rising vote.