2011 Assembly Joint Resolution 2
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: the life and public service of Dismas P. Becker.
Whereas, Dismas P. Becker was born on September 16, 1936, and died on September 19, 2010; and
Whereas, Dismas Becker began a career of service to his fellow man with his ordination as a Carmelite priest in 1964; and
Whereas, Dismas Becker became one of a number of Catholic priests in Milwaukee dedicated to direct action in the causes of civil rights, aid to the poor, and opposing the war in Vietnam; and
Whereas, in one of his most notable acts of protest, Dismas Becker was physically beaten in a demonstration that included the seizure of the state assembly chamber in 1969; and
Whereas, Dismas Becker totally subscribed to the notion that we have two choices: “win or die!"; and
Whereas, his involvement in social issues led Becker to leave the Carmelite order and the priesthood in 1972; and
Whereas, he married E. Fay Anderson in 1975; and
Whereas, his social activism led him to return to the assembly chamber as an elected member in 1977; and
Whereas, during the course of six terms in the assembly, he rose to a position of leadership, serving as majority leader during the 1985 session; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the
assembly, the senate concurring, That the Wisconsin legislature salutes the life and public service of Dismas P. Becker, and mourns his passing; and, be it further
Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk shall provide copies of this resolution to Dismas Becker's widow, E. Fay Anderson, his son Robert A. Becker, and his stepchildren Penelope Buckingham and Earl, Lorraine, and Elizabeth Anderson.
