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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1096]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN HONOR OF ROGER GALATAS
______
HON. KEVIN BRADY
of texas
in the house of representatives
Friday, September 6, 2019
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, today l rise to recognize and remember the
life of a remarkable member of The Woodlands, Texas community, Roger L.
Galatas, who passed away on August 29, 2019.
Although he called Montgomery County home for the last 50 years,
Roger was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on September 21, 1935. After
graduating from Louisiana Tech in 1957 with a degree in geology, Roger
served in the United States Air Force as a meteorologist. After three
years of service, he began working for Humble Oil & Refining, which
later became Exxon Mobile. A year later, he met his wife Ann on a blind
date, and they married three months later. The two eventually made the
move to the great state of Texas, where they settled down in the city
of Conroe to raise their two children.
In 1979, George P. Mitchell offered Roger a job, and for the next 20
years, Roger served as President of The Woodlands Operating Company,
L.P., a position he only retired from after the company was sold.
During his time with the company, he played a key role in creating
iconic landmarks in our community, including the Cynthia Woods Mitchell
Pavilion, Lake Woodlands, The Woodlands Hospital, and the John Cooper
School.
Roger was a firm believer in the vision of The Woodlands as a master
planned community, and helped form ``George's Coffee Club''--a group
focused on planning the future of the township. His love for The
Woodlands even inspired him to venture into the literary world, and his
book, ``The Woodlands: The Inside Story of Creating a Better Hometown''
was an insider's look into the history of his beloved hometown.
Passionate about education and family values, Roger served two terms
as president of the Conroe ISO School Board. His favorite past-time was
reading to the third grade class at the local elementary school, which
was later renamed Galatas Elementary in his honor.
Though his legacy in The Woodlands is secured for decades to come,
none will miss Roger more than his incredible family. He is survived by
his children, Susan McLean and Bob Galatas; son- and daughter-in-law,
Richard McLean and Carrie Galatas; and four grandchildren, Mason
McLean, Molly McLean, Max Galatas, and Grace Galatas.
While the community mourns this tremendous loss, we also celebrate
Roger's remarkable life and remember his lasting legacy of
groundbreaking innovation. He was an inspiration to all who met him,
and I join his family, friends, and the entire Eighth District of Texas
in honoring his wonderful life and endless devotion to our community.
Roger, you will be greatly missed.
____________________
