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2003 SESSION


SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 482
On the death of Arthur William Harding.

Agreed to by the Senate, February 13, 2003
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 20, 2003

WHEREAS, Arthur William "Pete" Harding, a former mayor of Covington, a veteran of service in World War II, and a dedicated and respected community leader, died on February 6, 2003; and

WHEREAS, a native of Woodstock, Pete Harding was a member of the first class to graduate from the then-new Covington High School in 1940; and

WHEREAS, in 1942, Pete Harding volunteered for the United States Marines and served 37 months with the 4th Marine Division, seeing action on the Marshall Islands, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima; and

WHEREAS, returning to Covington after the war, Pete Harding resumed a career with Westvaco that was to last for 44 years, until his retirement in 1984; and

WHEREAS, Pete Harding was an active member of union Local 675, serving as vice president, safety director, and chaplain, and was honored by being named to the Local 675 Hall of Fame in 1997; and

WHEREAS, Pete Harding was elected to the Covington City Council in 1957 and served for eight years, including a term as mayor; and

WHEREAS, during Pete Harding's tenure, Covington enjoyed improvements to the water and sewer system; the schools, including an addition to the high school; and the road system, including new street lights and designation of one-way streets; and

WHEREAS, Pete Harding, who was named Outstanding Alumni of Covington High School in 1982, served the Covington community in numerous organizations, including the Christmas Mother program, the March of Dimes, and the Covington Welfare/Social Services Board; and

WHEREAS, Pete Harding was also a member of Covington Moose Lodge No. 610, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1033, and the Democratic Party; and

WHEREAS, following a long career marked by accomplishment, loyalty, and generosity, Pete Harding leaves a lasting legacy of outstanding service to his community, the Commonwealth, and the nation; 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 Arthur William Harding; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Arthur William Harding as an expression of the respect in which his memory is held by the members of the General Assembly.