WHEREAS, Sidney A. Reyes of Winchester, an admired and respected public servant, died on February 21, 2009; and

WHEREAS, a native of Harlem in New York City, Sidney Reyes was born on June 30, 1933, to loving parents Lawrence and Beatrice Reyes and was one of six siblings; and

WHEREAS, Sidney Reyes proudly served his country during the Korean War in the United States Marine Corps before a remarkable 38-year career with the federal government; and

WHEREAS, a dedicated and hardworking employee, Sidney Reyes began his stellar career first with the United States Postal Service before moving to the United States Customs Service as a customs agent; and

WHEREAS, Sidney Reyes quickly rose through the ranks to become customs director of the Passenger Processing Division in Washington, D.C., where he was instrumental in developing and implementing improved processing systems for arriving international passengers at all United States ports of entry; and

WHEREAS, well-regarded for his background and diplomacy skills, Sidney Reyes was selected on several occasions to represent the United States Customs Service on travels to foreign countries with Presidents Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush; and

WHEREAS, Sidney Reyes retired from the United States Customs Service in 1990 as the Washington district director; in a postretirement ceremony, he received the United States Customs Service Independent Medal for his significant contributions; and

WHEREAS, after retirement, Sidney Reyes and his wife moved to Cross Junction in Frederick County, where he opened his own photography studio and joined Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, the Kiwanis Club, and the Frederick County Democratic Committee; and

WHEREAS, desirous to serve his new community and fellow citizens, Sidney Reyes ran for and was elected to serve on the Board of Supervisors; he ably served from 2000–2003 and was known as an effective leader who focused on controlled growth in Frederick County; and

WHEREAS, Sidney Reyes stayed active in local politics until his death, working with the local Young Democrats and helping other Frederick County democrats in local races; he was awarded a plaque naming him as "Mr. Democrat" for his work with the local party; and

WHEREAS, a devoted family man, Sidney Reyes enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, playing the piano, and reading; and

WHEREAS, a hardworking man known for his integrity, Sidney Reyes lived a rich and full life devoted to the service of his country and community; and

WHEREAS, Sidney Reyes will be fondly remembered for his kind and generous nature and greatly missed by his loving wife Brit; children Steven, Jameelah, and Gregory and their families; and his numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly note with great sadness the loss of a beloved public servant, Sidney A. Reyes; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Sidney A. Reyes as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.