House Concurrent Resolution 63

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JACKSON RESTAURATEUR CRAIG ASHTON NOONE.

WHEREAS, on October 14, 2011, the City of Jackson and the State of Mississippi tragically lost one of its brightest stars, a wonderful friend, world-class restaurateur, successful business owner, and true ambassador for this city and state with the unexpected loss of Craig Ashton Noone; and

WHEREAS, born on August 12, 1979, in Rock Hill, South Carolina, to Charles and Sharon Noone of Jackson, Mississippi, Craig Noone grew up in South Jackson and graduated from Jackson Academy, where he excelled in both football and baseball, finishing his high school baseball career as the all-time home run leader in JA history; and

WHEREAS, continuing his education at Mississippi College, Craig Noone played on the Choctaws baseball team and served as President of the Blue and Gold Men's Society before graduating with a bachelor's degree in business administration in 2003; and

WHEREAS, Craig Noone then began the culinary career that would define him by enrolling in and graduating with a degree in culinary arts from the Texas Culinary Academy (now Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts) in Austin, Texas, and subsequently earning a master's degree from the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners and serving as a guest chef during the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy; and

WHEREAS, before returning to his hometown to fulfill his dream of opening a restaurant, Craig Noone honed his skills as a chef and restaurateur while working under John Besh of New Orleans, Dean Fearing and Stephan Pyles of Dallas all James Beard Award winning chefs; and

WHEREAS, in September of 2010, after spending more than a year meticulously planning every detail from the eatery's menu that would feature fine regional cuisine infused with his unique culinary style to incorporating the storied history of the building that would become home to the restaurant, Craig Noone opened Parlor Market Restaurant on Capitol Street in the heart of downtown Jackson to great accolades, garnering many Best New Restaurant awards in its first year with him being named Best Chef in Jackson; and

WHEREAS, Craig Noone, a courageous and incredibly caring young person determined to give back to his beloved hometown community, saw far beyond the business of restaurant ownership and viewed his work as an important anchor in the renaissance of downtown Jackson as he encouraged colleagues, fellow entrepreneurs and friends to join him in the revitalization of the Central Business District; and

WHEREAS, fondly remembered since his death, Craig Noone has been honored with countless glowing and well-deserved tributes by friends and colleagues such as this affectionate remembrance so aptly expressed: "Craig Noone was a force to be reckoned with and a sight to behold. He was never without a smile and a warm greeting for anyone who visited Parlor Market. His enthusiasm was contagious, and his respect for his craft was already legendary in Jackson. The memories shared by all who knew him will keep his creative spirit alive."; and

WHEREAS, in his all-too-short 32 years, Craig Noone accomplished more than many ever achieve in a lifetime with the fulfillment of his dream to successfully establish a restaurant in downtown Jackson; and

WHEREAS, Craig Noone's life is truly a testament to the maxim that "the footprints we leave behind are as important as the paths we will follow," and his legacy lives on today through the continued success of Parlor Market and in the hearts and memories of those who knew and loved him best as well as the countless lives he impacted with his culinary talent, business acumen, genuine concern for bettering his community, and generous and caring spirit:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commemorate the life and legacy of Craig Ashton Noone of Jackson, Mississippi, and express our heartfelt sympathy to his family and countless friends on their loss upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Craig Ashton Noone, Parlor Market Restaurant and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.