A MEMORIAL

EXPRESSING THE CONDOLENCE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF MARIO URIOSTE.

     WHEREAS, Mario Urioste, a resident of Clovis, passed away January 26, 2005; and

     WHEREAS, he was born in Clovis on January 3, 1954 and was diagnosed with lupus at age eighteen; and

     WHEREAS, he fought against this debilitating disease and never let the disease define his life, as demonstrated by his passion for public service, guitar playing and carpentry; and

     WHEREAS, he served on the Clovis school board for thirteen years, where he gained respect by bridging the gap between the minority community and school administrators; and

     WHEREAS, when he was elected to the house of representatives in 1999, he brought that expertise with him and during his first term was named to a task force to fight Governor Johnson's school voucher proposal; and

     WHEREAS, his legislative colleagues admired his stamina, sense of humor and philosophy of life in the face of a disease that caused him to be hospitalized twice each year for thirty years; and

     WHEREAS, he is survived by his wife of over thirty years, Irene; his two sons, Mauricio and Julian; and many other relatives and loving friends;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that condolences be extended to the family and friends of Mario Urioste, a devoted and loving New Mexican; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to Irene Urioste.