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Expressing regret regarding the passing of John R. Martin; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, John R. Martin will be remembered by his fellow Georgians for his lifelong passion of promoting railroad passenger service and for his exceptional leadership on transportation policy at the national, regional, and community levels; and

WHEREAS, Jack developed his love of trains as a lad visiting the Pennsylvania Railroad station in Philadelphia, and his fascination evolved into a deep commitment to rail service based upon the environmental and economic benefits of this transportation alternative; and

WHEREAS, as an adult he championed the rail system, serving as chairman of the board and president of the National Association of Railroad Passengers since 1979 and as the former chairman of the Georgia Rail Passenger Authority and its representative from the 5^th congressional district; and

WHEREAS, he was a native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, graduated from Georgia Tech in mechanical engineering in 1959, earned a law degree from Temple University while working for DuPont, and moved to Atlanta in 1966 as a patent attorney with Coca-Cola where he retired as a senior counsel in merchandise licensing in 1995; and

WHEREAS, the extensive knowledge, understanding, and commitment he demonstrated throughout his advocacy earned him a position of national respect and a network of train enthusiasts and supporters who valued and admired this distinguished Georgian.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body express their regret at the passing of John R. Martin and convey their sincerest sympathy to the members of his family.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to the family of John R. Martin.

IN HOUSE
Read and Adopted
January 26, 2001

Robert E. Rivers, Jr.
Clerk