A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

on the death of Donald William Jansen.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

Donald William Jansen passed away on March 29, 2014 at the age of sixty-five.

Don was born in Luverne, Minnesota on August 21, 1948.  In 1951, his family moved to Phoenix, where he attended St. Agnes Catholic School and Brophy College Preparatory.  After graduating from Arizona State University with a degree in political science, Don honorably served his country in the United States Army as a Lieutenant.  Following his military service, Don was accepted into Gonzaga Law School, from which he graduated in 1975.

In 1976, Don embarked on an illustrious career with the State of Arizona that spanned almost forty years.  He started his journey as an Assistant Rules Attorney for the Arizona House of Representatives, a position that he held until 1984, when he was asked to serve as Legal Counsel to the Majority Leader.  He ably served in this capacity until 1986, at which time he was asked to be the Executive Director of Legislative Council.  In 1993, Don accepted a position as Policy Advisor and Special Counsel to the Majority in the House.  From 1997 through 2004, he served in the House in various capacities, including Counsel to the Majority, General Counsel and Counsel to the Speaker.  Additionally, he served as Counsel to the House of Representatives Ethics Committee.  Don attempted to retire in 2005 after thirty years of exemplary service to the State of Arizona, but was asked to resume his position as Special Counsel to the Majority, and he served in this capacity until 2008.  In 2009, Don returned to the office where he started his career and served as the House Rules Attorney until earlier this year.

Don had the heart of a teacher.  Each day he demonstrated his personal commitment to the Arizona Legislature and the State of Arizona by patiently sharing his considerable knowledge with members, staff and the public.  He was frequently asked to address important questions of constitutional law, and he helped countless elected officials navigate some of the most difficult legal questions in state government.  For nearly four decades, he performed that task with the utmost excellence and professionalism.  Anyone who approached Don with a question could rely not only on his legal judgment but also on his wisdom and integrity.  He understood that the men and women who went to him for guidance were in the position of making difficult decisions, and he always rose to the occasion by giving them answers that were committed to the rule of law and not swayed by the politics of the day.

Don's entire career is a testimony to his remarkable abilities.  He steadfastly resisted the temptation to control policy decisions, and he respected the difference between elected policymakers and their professional staff.  Over the years he amassed a wealth of experience, and he always used his matchless depth of personal knowledge for the benefit of others.  Unfailingly patient in his explanations, Don was always willing to start the conversation at "square one" if necessary.  As a result, generations of lawmakers and staff have been enriched in their understanding of the law, of the intricacies of state government and of the importance of each person's contribution.

Don was an expert in the field of Arizona constitutional law.  In addition to his advisory role at the Legislature, he made important scholarly contributions that are tremendously valuable to the legal community and the public as a whole.  Elected officials, lawyers, judges, state employees and law students will be learning from Don's work for a long time to come.  His contributions to the project of governance in Arizona are deep and lasting, and they have an effect that transcends generations.  He left his mark through his commitment and consistency, and his service will have an enduring impact for the good of the state he loved.

Don will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Jaqueline, his children and their spouses, Christopher and Annie, Morgan and Patty, and Madison, his grandchildren, Darrin and William, and his sister, Mary Arnold.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona, the Senate concurring:

That the Members of the Legislature express sincere regret at the passing of Donald William Jansen and extend their deepest condolences to his family members and many friends.

UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED BY THE HOUSE MAY 29, 2014.

UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED BY THE SENATE MAY 29, 2014.

FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE MAY 29, 2014.