[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 86 (Friday, June 30, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1171]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LATE BOB MURDOCH OF TYLER, TX

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 29, 2000

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege today to recognize 
an exceptional individual, Bob Murdoch, of Tyler, TX, who passed away 
on May 27 of this year at the age of 81. Bob was well-known throughout 
Smith County and will be remembered for his leadership and tireless 
dedication to his community.
  In 1951 Bob became general manager of the annual East Texas State 
Fair and held the position of manager from 1953 to 1995. As a tribute 
to his phenomenal forty-four years of leadership with the Fair, the 
office building at the fairgrounds was named the Murdoch Building upon 
his retirement. At his retirement luncheon, it was said of him that he 
was a ``natural-born leader, dreamer and legend of our time''--a 
testament to his vision, dedication and commitment to community 
service.
  Bob was a long-time member of the Texas Association of Fairs and 
Exposition. He served as secretary/treasurer of the Texas Association 
from 1954 to 1983 and received the Secretary of the Year Award from the 
national Federation'' of State and Provincial Association of Fairs.
  Bob also was a leader in other community organizations. He served as 
chief executive director of the East Texas Agriculture Council and as 
executive secretary/treasurer of the East Texas Farm and Ranch Club, 
which he organized in 1952. He was the farm editor and broadcaster for 
radio station KTBB in Tyler from 1951 to 1960 and was a columnist and 
feature writer for the Tyler Morning Telegraph.
  A Dallas native, he was born on December 18, 1918. He received a 
journalism degree from Hardin Simmons University in 1941 and fulfilled 
his military duties by serving four years in the Signal Corps and Army 
Air Corps during World War II. After being discharged, he managed 
Chambers of Commerce in Bowie and Gainsville.
  He is survived by his wife, Jo Ann Murdoch of Tyler; two daughters, 
Janet Tomlin of Tyler and Dianne Cavazos and her husband, Hector, of 
Humble; one brother, Russell Murdoch of Dallas; one granddaughter, 
Melissa, and her husband, Scott Eeds, of Whitehouse; two grandsons, 
Lance and Evan Cavazos of Humble; and one greatgranddaughter, Emily 
Eeds, of Whitehouse.
  Mr. Speaker, Bob Murdoch's contributions to his community will long 
be remembered--and he will be missed by his family and many friends in 
Tyler and Smith County. As we adjourn today, may we do so in 
celebration of this outstanding citizen from the Fourth District of 
Texas.

                          ____________________