Bill Text: VA SJR393 | 2021 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of the Honorable Robert S. Bloxom, Sr.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2021-02-08 - Agreed to by House [SJR393 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2021-SJR393-Introduced.html
Patrons-- Lewis, Boysko, Deeds, Hanger, Howell, Mason, Reeves, Ruff, Saslaw and Spruill; Delegates: Adams, D.M., Austin, Avoli, Ayala, Bagby and Bell
WHEREAS, the Honorable Robert S. Bloxom, Sr., a consummate public servant who was known for his commitment to the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay, represented the residents of the Eastern Shore as a longtime member of the House of Delegates and became Virginia's first Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, died on December 13, 2020; and
WHEREAS, Robert "Bob" Bloxom ran the family business, Bloxom Auto Supply, for many years, serving the members of the Mappsville community and the Eastern Shore with fairness and integrity; and
WHEREAS, desirous to be of further service, Bob Bloxom ran for and was elected to the House of Delegates and represented the residents of the 100th District for 13 terms from 1978 through 2003; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure as a state legislator, Bob Bloxom introduced or supported legislation to preserve the health of the Commonwealth's waterways, establish the commercial spaceport on Wallops Island, and create a dental program for school children in need; and
WHEREAS, Bob Bloxom supported the creation of Kiptopeke State Park, the Commonwealth's first new state park in two decades, and helped provide state funds for the opening of the Eastern Shore Farmer's Market; and
WHEREAS, Bob Bloxom offered his expertise to the committees on Appropriations, Commerce and Labor, and Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources and served as chair of the multistate Chesapeake Bay Commission; and
WHEREAS, admired for his honesty and dedication to his constituents, Bob Bloxom worked to build bipartisan respect and foster a culture of mutual respect between delegates from both parties; and
WHEREAS, in December 2004, Bob Bloxom was appointed by Governor Mark Warner to the newly created cabinet positon of Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry; he continued to serve in that capacity under Governor Tim Kaine until his well-earned retirement from public life in January 2010; and
WHEREAS, as Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, Bob Bloxom visited every county in Virginia and promoted the Commonwealth's exports in other countries; he also supported farmland preservation efforts and oversaw the completion of a study that estimated the value of the Commonwealth's agricultural industries at $79 billion; and
WHEREAS, at the local level, Bob Bloxom volunteered his time and leadership to Eastern Shore Community College, Eastern Shore Public Library, the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce, and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Commission, but his greatest joy in life was his family, and he relished every opportunity to support his beloved grandchildren at sporting events and activities; and
WHEREAS, Bob Bloxom will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Pat; his children Lee and Robert, Jr., and their families; and numerous other family members, friends, and colleagues on both sides of the aisle; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of the Honorable Robert S. Bloxom, Sr., a respected public servant who strengthened the Eastern Shore; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of the Honorable Robert S. Bloxom, Sr., as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his achievements on behalf of all residents of the Commonwealth and respect for his memory.
