Senate Concurrent Resolution 517

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND INDOMITABLE SPIRIT OF RALPH MCDONALD, FORMER BUDGET DIRECTOR FOR THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi lost a dedicated public servant and an expert in education finance with the death of Ralph Alan McDonald of Madison, Mississippi, on Monday, August 21, 2006; and

WHEREAS, Ralph is best remembered in the Legislature as an expert in education finance legislation. He served as Budget Director at the State Department of Education from 1985 to 2002, and in this role he acted as a resource to the Education and Appropriations Committees of both houses of the Legislature on such issues as teacher salaries and funding of the revised adequate education formula during critical debates of education funding legislation; and

WHEREAS, Ralph held a Bachelor's Degree in Business from Mississippi State University. After his dedicated service with the State Department of Education, Ralph served as the Director of Outreach Services for the Information Systems Division at the Mississippi Department of Transportation until his retirement; and

WHEREAS, Ralph was an incredibly strong spirited man, who valiantly fought to remain here with his family throughout his illness. Anyone who ever met Ralph loved him. His strong spirit and goofy good humor lightened even the darkest periods of his illness. Even to the last, Ralph held strong to his belief and trust in the Lord and his church; and

WHEREAS, at his Thanksgiving Celebration of Life on January 31, 2002, he recognized his beloved wife, Mary, as the light of his life and his children, Maureen and Daniel, as the primary sources of his strength. Ralph and Mary had an almost unworldly bond of love that carried them through the incredible trial caused by his illnesses. They instilled this love, along with their faith, in their children; and

WHEREAS, survivors include his wife of 24 years, Mary; his children, Maureen, 20, and Daniel, 17; his mother, Mary Coburn McDonald; his brother, Robert P. McDonald (Lisa); his sister, Pat Delaughter; his brothers-in-law, Billy McCarthy (Pat) and Jay McCarthy; his sister-in-law, Lynn (Avery); and numerous nieces and nephews; and

WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of a respected public servant who has left a legacy of service and dedication to public education to the citizens of the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the life and indomitable spirit of Ralph Alan McDonald of Madison, Mississippi, former Budget Director for the State Department of Education, and express to his surviving family the sympathy of the Legislature on his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be forwarded to the surviving family of Ralph Alan McDonald, be forwarded to the State Board of Education and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.