A
MEMORIAL
RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE
STATE OF NEW MEXICO OF ERNIE MILLS.
WHEREAS, Ernest T. Mills, better known simply
as "Ernie" to generations of New Mexicans, began his career as a
journalist at the New York Herald Tribune in 1949 and ended it more than
half a century and countless accomplishments later in New Mexico in 2003; and
WHEREAS, during his lifetime,
Ernie Mills set a standard not easily reached for informed, objective news
reporting, for insightful humor and good cheer, for deep and genuine compassion
for his fellow men and women and for a tireless work ethic; and
WHEREAS, Ernie's news coverage
included two tours as a reporter during the Vietnam War, during which he
poignantly told the stories of New Mexicans who had been called to take up arms
and for which he was awarded the New Mexico broadcasters association special
reporting award; and
WHEREAS, in 1980, while
reporting on the deadly riot at the penitentiary of New Mexico, Ernie Mills
bravely and selflessly became part of the horrific story when he entered the
prison several times while it was under the control of prisoners to
successfully negotiate the release of fifteen correctional officers who had
been taken hostage; and
WHEREAS, Ernie Mills' awards
include the radio newsman of the year, best news coverage for large market
radio, best editorial writing and the New Mexico excellence in journalism
award; and
WHEREAS, Ernie Mills was well
known around the state of New Mexico and was twice recognized as one of the
most influential persons in New Mexico; and
WHEREAS, Ernie Mills was
granted an honorary doctor of letters degree from New Mexico state university
for his efforts to champion and improve education in New Mexico and for the
example he set as a journalist; and
WHEREAS, Ernie Mills served as
a member of the board of regents at western New Mexico university for three
years and in 1980 received eastern New Mexico university's honorary alumnus
award; and
WHEREAS, Ernie Mills received
an honorary doctorate from the college of the southwest; and
WHEREAS, Ernie had an Irish
twinkle in his eye and an unfailing optimism that whatever occurred would be
grist for his "mill"; and
WHEREAS, Ernie's presence in
the capitol, or the merry roundhouse, as he called it, will be felt for many
years beyond the date of his passing; and
WHEREAS, Ernie Mills is
survived by his wife, Lorene Carpenter Mills, and their daughter, Joy; three
children by a previous marriage, Edmund Mills, Margaret Mills and Kenneth
Mills; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED
BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that Ernie Mills'
numerous contributions to the well-being of New Mexico, its residents and its
government be recognized; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that
sincere condolences be extended to the friends and family of Ernie Mills upon
his passing.