On the recordJanuary 6, 2011
Today we remember with great fondness Tom Vandergriff. Tom was a leader in everything he did. He was a man who saw challenges and tried to solve them. He found opportunities and made them work for us. He had a vision that he always reached for. He never accepted the status quo. He was always working for what ought to be. As a successful businessman, a mayor, a Member of Congress and a county judge, he did so much to promote economic development and opportunities to make Tarrant County, Texas which it is today. Just think of this: Starting as, what he was called, the boy mayor, he was 25 years old. He served his community, helping Texas bring General Motors, Six Flags Over Texas, the Texas Rangers, all to north Texas. He had a vision to anticipate the needs of a growing community and population. But more than that, he was a decent and kind man. His grace was matched only by his courage, and his personal character was exceeded only by his compassion for others. He was the epitome of a great public servant. He will be missed but not forgotten; and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
