George C. "Tim" Hixon, prominent local business man, conservationist, philanthropist, and champion of education, passed away Wednesday, July 18th at the age of 81. Tim and Karen Hixon were instrumental in the creation of Government Canyon State Natural Area. Tim’s obituary included this statement: “Among the accomplishments of which he was most proud is the establishment of the Government Canyon State Natural Area, a now 12,000 acre protected area in Northwest San Antonio. It required fierce advocacy on Tim's part to persuade the state to spend the necessary funds to acquire the land, which in turn preserved a valuable part of the Edward's Aquifer Recharge Zone.”
“Government Canyon wouldn’t exist without the Hixons,” noted Fred Bryant, director of development at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M University-Kingsville in an interview he gave to the Rivard Report regarding Tim and his role in business and conservation. Bryant had also told the Rivard Report that, “Hixon became a mentor for him in preserving land and wildlife for future generations.”
Tim served as commissioner for the Texas Pars and Wildlife Department from 1989 to 1995. He also served as chairman of the affiliated Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation from 1995 to 2002, helping to preserve natural spaces in South Texas.
Tim (and Karen) played a vital role in creating GCSNA. We would not be here today without his leadership, vision and assistance. He will be greatly missed.
Peter Grojean, President
