By Kenny Mitchell
Publisher
Longtime Texas House Representative Barry Telford passed away this past Saturday, and with his passing comes a legacy of leadership, service and devotion that only the rarest of people ever achieve.
Telford served the citizens of Texas House District 1 from 1987 to 2005 and continued that service for many years after through the generous giving of his time, efforts and advice to all who needed it.
In a presentation speech written by DeKalb historian and fellow Noble Heart Judge Joni Haldeman, she describes a Noble Heart by saying, “The English poet, Edmund Spencer, wrote ….. and I paraphrase, “the noble heart does not rest until it has brought forth that which is excellent…that which is good. Those that we have honored in the past, held to this code….they never rested….many still do not rest…they are always doing for others…..putting others before themselves……they are: “Noble” people…They are illustrious, renowned, solid, with greatness of character, splendid, magnificent, rare, precious, fine, ingenious.”
There is no one who could say that Barry Telford did not live up to those words, and he was named to the proud list of Noble Hearts as the 2011 recipient, and will always be remembered for the years of service and friendship that he so readily gave to the people of Bowie County, and all of District 1.
Current Texas House District 1 Representative Gary VanDeaver said of Telford this morning, “Over the weekend House District 1 sadly lost one of our former State Representatives – Barry B. Telford. Having served from 1987 to 2005, Barry was a leader for our rural Texas communities within the district and in Austin. Rising to chair the powerful Calendars committee, Barry was a leader for rural education and economic development. As a representative he passed legislation improving our teacher retirement system, highlighting higher education institutions in Northeast Texas, and benefiting our public school students and teachers. Leaders like Barry Telford are part of a long tradition of House District 1 standing up for our rural communities. My prayers are with his family and those that called him a friend.”
The Tribune will honor the memory of Barry Telford in next week’s issue with a front page dedicated entirely to telling the story of his life and legacy.
