Bill Text: VA HJR245 | 2024 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Richard Alan Barton.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-0)
Status: (Passed) 2024-03-06 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ245ER) [HJR245 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-HJR245-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Richard Alan Barton, a highly admired civic activist in Arlington, died on November 25, 2023; and
WHEREAS, Richard Barton was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with his family at a young age; and
WHEREAS, after receiving his bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University, Richard Barton earned a master's degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a doctoral degree from George Mason University; and
WHEREAS, Richard Barton began his career in government as an intern for U.S. Representative Hale Boggs, then ran an election campaign for and served as legislative assistant to U.S. Representative James H. Morrison; and
WHEREAS, Richard Barton spent 13 years as a staff director for three subcommittees related to postal issues, then worked in government affairs for the Direct Marketing Association for more than two decades until his retirement in 2000; and
WHEREAS, Richard Barton's talents as an organizer and flair as a raconteur served him well as a civic volunteer and community leader who worked diligently to enhance the quality of life in Arlington any way he could; and
WHEREAS, Richard Barton chaired the Arlington Democratic Committee and served on the Arlington School Board, Arlington Planning Commission, Arlington Transportation Commission, and Arlington Economic Development Commission; and
WHEREAS, Richard Barton and his wife, Jean, were well-known in Arlington as a power couple who had an outsized impact on community life through their generosity and commitment to servant-leadership; and
WHEREAS, Richard Barton inspired young leaders by teaching courses at George Mason University, where he was proudly appointed to the board of visitors by Governor Chuck Robb; he played a vital role in helping the institution flourish and develop a strong identity; and
WHEREAS, predeceased by his first wife, Judith, Richard Barton will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of 38 years, Jean; his children, Jennifer and Michael, and their families; his stepchildren, Jennifer and John; and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Richard Alan Barton, a pillar of the Arlington community; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Richard Alan Barton as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.
