44TH LEGISLATURE - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - FIRST SESSION, 1999

EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF ROBERT W. BOTTS.

WHEREAS, Robert W. "Bob" Botts was born in Hope, New Mexico on August 12, 1909 to Lessie and C. M. Botts; and

WHEREAS, he graduated from the university of New Mexico and Harvard law school and was admitted to the New Mexico state bar association in 1933; and

WHEREAS, he married Margaret Shortle of Albuquerque in 1934; and

WHEREAS, he served as counsel to Albuquerque public schools for over fifty years and was also counsel to Albuquerque technical-vocational institute; and

WHEREAS, he served as a corporal in the United States army during World War II, during which his only brother, C. M. Botts, Jr., was killed in action; and

WHEREAS, he was known as "The Lawyer's Lawyer of New Mexico" as a result of his unquestioned integrity, ability, dedication and humility; and

WHEREAS, he ran for lieutenant governor on the 1948 republican ticket with gubernatorial candidate Manuel Lujan, Sr., and later served as a key volunteer advisor to Governor Edwin L. Mechem; and

WHEREAS, he was chosen as the first recipient of the New Mexico state bar's professionalism award in 1988; and

WHEREAS, he will be remembered for his fishing trips, memorial day race parties, "gracious living" and most of all for his love of the law and the honor he brought to his profession; and

WHEREAS, he is survived by his children Mary, Bob Jr., and Jim and their families; and many friends and admirers throughout the state;

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 Robert W. "Bob" Botts, an outstanding and devoted New Mexican; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to Mary Matteucci, Bob Botts, Jr., and Jim Botts.