44TH LEGISLATURE - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - FIRST SESSION, 1999

HONORING THE LIFE, CAREER AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF L. LAMAR PARRISH AND EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, L. Lamar Parrish was born in Livingston, Texas on August 26, 1936; and

WHEREAS, Lamar Parrish received his bachelor's degree from the university of New Mexico in 1959 and received the degree of juris doctor from the university of New Mexico school of law in 1963, the same year that he became a member of the New Mexico bar; and

WHEREAS, as a young lawyer, Lamar Parrish clerked for the tenth circuit court of appeals for Judge Oliver Seth; and

WHEREAS, once he entered into practice as an attorney, Lamar Parrish practiced in many areas of law, but the area of Indian law was a passion of his for most of his career; and

WHEREAS, while representing the Pueblos of Zia, Isleta, Sandia, San Ildefonso, San Juan and other tribes and tribal and pueblo organizations and subdivisions, Lamar Parrish, as a negotiator and litigator, protected many tribal rights, including those in the areas of taxation, land and water rights and jurisdiction; and

WHEREAS, Lamar Parrish had a wry sense of humor and humble demeanor, but had a strong belief in preserving the rights of his clients and ensuring that his tribal clients were treated with the respect that is due a sovereign;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the accomplishments of L. Lamar Parrish in his life and his career be acknowledged; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that condolences be extended to the friends and family of L. Lamar Parrish on his passing in May of 1998; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the family of L. Lamar Parrish.