Vicente Gonzalez: “I could go over all of Hippo's accomplishments, and I say 'Hippo' with the greatest affection and respect. Few people…”

“I could go over all of Hippo's accomplishments, and I say 'Hippo' with the greatest affection and respect. Few people ever referred to him by formal title because he would not have it. And if he were alive and we were honoring him in this fashion today, he would probably be a little humbled and embarrassed. Mr. Speaker, I will keep my remarks brief, but a man of the caliber and decency of Hippo Garcia deserves a couple of minutes to recognize his true contribution. Members have heard of his professional accomplishments, his sacrifices and contributions to the legal profession, to the city and the State and to this country, but I would like to bring out the human side of Hippo, that he was probably one of the most decent human beings one could ever meet. He was a mentor and second father to many young San Antonio lawyers. I had the privilege of practicing before him when he was a county court law judge, a State district court judge, and then he moved to the Federal level. Many of us sought counsel with Hippo, a brave and wise man.”