Dear Friend and Founder of CALA Movement Passes Away

Tributes pour in for Valley Partnership legend Bill Summers
By Steve Taylor, Joey Gomez, and Ron Whitlock

Rio Grande Valley Partnership President and CEO Bill Summers.

WESLACO, Nov. 30 – Tributes have been pouring in for Bill Summers, the legendary leader of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership who died of lung cancer on Monday. He was 71.

“We have lost a great friend and it only brings me comfort to know Bill is in heaven,” said Angela Burton, president and CEO of the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce.

Burton helped form the Rio Grande Valley-Tamaulipas BiNational Chambers of Commerce group with Summers in 2005.

“I was thinking this morning of how many places Bill and I had traveled together. We have gone from Laredo, Austin and Washington, D.C., to Victoria, Tampico and other parts of Mexico advocating for the Rio Grande Valley,” Burton said.

“Bill was a great mentor and friend. He opened many doors for me and showed me the ropes, as one might say. His humor was extraordinary.”

Burton said she remembers when her motorbike accident happened in August 2008. “I was in ICU and woke to find him looking over me and holding my hand. I don’t know how he got into the ICU because it wasn’t visiting hours - but he brought me comfort,” Burton said. “I am heartbroken and sad and will miss him very much. May God Bless his family.”

Summers was diagnosed with lung cancer during the summer. His wife, Jo, sent out an e-mail alert to family and friends from the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston late Monday afternoon.

“The journey is almost over. Bill's lungs have given up and there's no hope for his lungs to recover. Randy and Mike (Bill and Jo’s sons) are here with me and we know we will all soon be coming home. Bill will be flying home on wings of glory to be with our Lord in Heaven; free of pain and whole again. I have no doubt that when he arrives that he will be promoting the Rio Grande Valley and singing with the angels, ‘For We Love Our Valley Home.’ Please continue to pray for us during this most difficult time,” Jo Summers said.

At 6:41 p.m., Jo Summers sent out a further e-mail alert to say that “the journey had ended. Bill passed away at 4:56 p.m.” Jo Summers' comments came via the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center e-mail journal entry.

Summers led the Partnership, the Valley’s regional chamber of commerce, for 22 years. Before than he served in the Army, worked in a bank, and sold TV and radio advertising. During his years with the Partnership he fought tirelessly for an interstate between the Valley and I-37 and for better trading and cultural relations with Mexico. In Tamaulipas, Mexico, he was thought by many to be America's best ambassador. The Partnership had an office in the state's capital, Ciudad Victoria, for many years.

For more than 20 years, Summers also spearheaded the Partnership's Valley Legislator Tours, believing that the best way for state lawmakers to learn about the Valley was to bring them to the region. During the 81st legislative session, state lawmakers approved a resolution naming FM 1015 in Weslaco the Bill Summers International Boulevard. The official ceremony was held in September, soon after Summers had been diagnosed with lung cancer.

Summers is also credited for helping start the Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse movement, which sought tort reform.

One of Summers’ closest friends was state Sen. Eddie Lucio. The Brownsville Democrat said Summers was one of a kind.

“I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the family of Mr. Bill Summers, who lost his battle with cancer today. Bill was a tireless advocate for the Rio Grande Valley, always promoting a good quality of life among our communities,” Lucio said.

“A lifelong resident of South Texas, his commitment and loyalty to this region of the state were evident from the nearly two decades he served as president and CEO of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership.”

Lucio said Summers was a “mentor and role model” in a couple of ways. “He never wavered from his convictions and he always demonstrated a tireless work ethic. His sense of humor enriched our lives and brought joy to people’s hearts.”

Lucio said he has been blessed to have been able to call Summers a friend. “I feel strongly that I am a better person for having known him. The Rio Grande Valley has lost a true hero, and I ask everyone to continue praying for his family in this time of sorrow.”

Sergio Contreras, chairman of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership, said his thoughts and prayers are with Bill Summers' family. “This is a sad day for South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley. Bill Summers was a great leader and we now know we have an angel looking over us,” Contreras said.

State Rep. Aaron Peña, D-Edinburg, said Summers was a “gentle giant with a heart of gold.” He said Summers made Texas a better place to live and was the “best ambassador the Rio Grande Valley ever had.”

Joe Olivo, of the Ray Pearson Forum in El Paso, said: “My prayers are with Mr. Summers family.”

Rene Gonzalez, of the Texas Migrant Council in Laredo said: “My thoughts and prayers go out to the Summers family. Bill was a true inspiration, a teacher and a hero for the Rio Grande Valley. The Valley now has God's ear with Bill at his side. Thank you for your guidance and the lessons you taught all of us who were/are involved in economic development, transportation and education. You will be missed; rest in peace Bill.”

Lynn Brezosky, a longtime Valley reporter, first with the Associated Press and now the San Antonio Express-News said: “Bill Summers taught me so much about the Valley.”

Victor Castillo, a reporter in the Valley with Univision 48/Fox 2 News, said: “Bill Summers was a great man, a great friend, and a great leader in the Valley. He'll be missed by many of us. May God give strength to his family.”

Ron Whitlock, of KVEO-TV’s Ron Whitlock Reports, said: “The Valley and I owe a great deal to Bill Summers.” Former KURV Radio presenter Davis Rankin was slated to do an interview with Summers for the Whitlock show next month.

Ron Whitlock of KVEO-TV’s Ron Whitlock Reports show, contributed to this story.

Send your Bill Summers tributes to updates@riograndeguardian.com.