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SHIVERS, JR., Robert Allan Robert Allan "Bud" Shivers, Jr. January 21, 1946 January 8, 2019. Bud was born in San Antonio to Allan and Marialice Shary Shivers. He was a lifelong resident of Austin. Bud went to Austin public schools until the 10th grade when he went to The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey. After graduating from Lawrenceville in 1964, Bud attended the University of Texas where he studied finance. In 1968 Bud enlisted in the U. S. Coast Guard with the hope of becoming a helicopter pilot. While his application for officer training was pending he was injured in a diving accident in 1969 which left him a quadriplegic for the rest of his life. He didn't let that slow him down. For the next five 5 decades Bud was extremely active in business, philanthropy, and public service. Bud served on the board of Memorial Hermann/TIRR Hospital and the TIRR Foundation for many years. TIRR, formerly known as the Texas Institute for Rehabilitation Research, was where he went for rehabilitation after his spinal cord injury. As the first former patient to serve on the board Bud was able to bring a new perspective that enhanced the quality of care for all the patients who followed. Gov. Bill Clements appointed Bud to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission in 1988. He was reappointed to the commission as chairman, by Gov. George Bush in 1995 and served under Governors Bush and Perry until 2002. Bud was also appointed to the A&M Bonfire Commission by the Texas A& M Board of Regents. Bud was founder and chairman of the Seton Fund from its inception in 1981 and was an emeritus director of Acension Texas at the time of his death. In addition, he served for many years as chairman of the Headliners Foundation and on the boards of Lawrenceville, St. Edward's University, The University of St. Thomas, The Austin Chamber of Commerce, The Texas Chamber of Commerce, Texans for Law Suit Reform and many other charitable and civic organizations. In 1978 Bud married Robin Ratliff of Fort Worth. For the next 31 years they spent virtually twenty four hours a day together almost every day until Robin's death in 2009. In addition to Robin, Bud was predeceased by his parents, his brother John Shivers, Sr., and his nephew John Shivers, Jr. He is survived by his sister Cissie Ferguson, her husband Dillon Ferguson, his brother Brian Shivers, his wife Debbie Shivers, and many nieces and nephews. Bud was very fortunate to have the love and support of his longtime caregivers and aides. His family wishes to thank his assistant Julie Reynolds, his medical aides Christopher Bentler, and Raphael Vasquez, and his driver and philosophical sounding board Thomas Wood. Bud wouldn't have lived as long or as well without you. We would also like to thank Dr. J. D. Hinze and the terrific Seton ICU staff who took such good care of Bud. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to The Seton Fund (supportseton.org), HAAM (myhaam.org), TIRR (tirrfoundation.org), or the charity of your choice. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary's Cathedral at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 15. The officiant will be the Reverend Larry Rice, CSP. Arrangements by Weed-Corley- Fish Funeral Home, Austin, Texas (512)452-8811. Remembrances may be left at www.wcfish.com
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Dear Cissie,
This is a long time friend to Bud; Barry Jay Smith. I am addressing this to you; having known you back in the days of when John Avery, Bud and myself and sometimes Elliot Bland would ride the scooters up and down Woodlawn and through your driveways around the house. My thoughts go forward to the "dating game" we played, remembering Bud told me I should wear a white turtle neck under my blazer. We usually ended up at the 40 Acres Club. I remember you mostly from being at your home and pool house, laughing a lot as Bud and Avery would tease you; but you never let us get the upper hand. Countless nights after your Mom and Dad would retire upstairs, Bud would break out the Chivas-Regal. I was living in Dallas when Bud had his Coast Guard accident. I never understood how such an unfair thing could happen to him. It broke my heart. Anita and Jay (my parents) passed away and I spent little time in Austin. My wife, Diane, is from Calif. and we now live in Southlake, TX. I have COPD and do not travel well, so I am here on this solemn day. I know Bud is once again with all his family in Heaven. Cissie, Bud was the "King of Cool" a gentle soul and we loved him well. May peace and God's Light always be with you.
Barry Smith
Friend
January 15, 2019
Sincere condolences on the loss of Bud. He was a great intellect and conversationalist. Bud was always a good friend. His great stories will be missed. His unfailing generosity will always be remembered. His willingness to serve was well known by the leaders of this state and the many civic endeavors to which he gave his time and treasure. Bud was the personification of courage, grace and dignity. I will truly miss his company at the Headliners over lunch. May he rest in peace.
Hector De Leon
January 15, 2019
Dear Cissie & Brian:
Our deepest condolences to you and Family. Bud was a kind and generous person. We will keep you in our prayers.
Dan & Linda Smith
Friend
January 15, 2019
Dear Cissie and Brian -- Bud was a good man and a good friend for many years and we shared a number of fond memories with him and Robin. Sorry we cannot be at the service but want you to know that we are thinking of you in this hour.
Jim and Lela Windham
Friend
January 13, 2019
My sincerest condolences to his friends and family. A more gracious and dedicated person I have never met. Last time was at the dedication of the John Shary room at UT Pan Am.
January 13, 2019
Dear Cissie and Brian,
Gary and I are sorry we cannot attend the service for Bud. He was an inspiration and lifelong friend to us. We share in your loss.
Kathy Toothaker
January 13, 2019
"I was saddened to hear about Bud. It was a pleasure to work with him, back in the the day, at Sharyland. He was one of the finest men that I had the good fortune to know. He will be missed.
Blake Hoekstra
January 12, 2019
Rest in peace, Bud. Cut the bonds, you're free to fly.
Edward Ward
Classmate
January 9, 2019
Attending grade school at Pease Elementary in the early 50's was special because kids from every social and economic situation were there, from kids of the poorest families to the Governor's son. Bud was a wonderful classmate just for his own personality and character. And when we all got invited to his house -- the governor's mansion -- for his birthday party, it made it even more memorable. We got a taste of the graciousness of the entire Shivers family, too, with even little Cissy being hostess, walked us all to the door and made sure we all had a way home when the party was over. Bud became a great man in so many ways, and I'm so glad to have known him even that brief time. I know his family and friends miss him so much...surely that's the sign of greatness: that someone made such a difference in others' lives, and that difference he made continues after he's gone.
Kathleen Bergeron
Friend
January 11, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss our loving God promises to give you the strength to cope with the pain of your loss. He also promises to hold your hand every step of the way. Please take comfort that he does care at Isaiah 63:9 and Jeremiah 29:11,12.
January 11, 2019
The sadness I feel at the loss of someone I knew well and cared for is cushioned by the knowledge that he is free if his worldly pains and restraints and is reunited with the love of his life, Dear sweet Robin. Rest In Peace, Bud.
Thomas Wood
Friend
January 10, 2019
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