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2011 SESSION
11103890DWHEREAS, Alphonse Stroobants, an admired businessman, renowned cattle breeder, and beloved philanthropist, died on July 1, 2010; and
WHEREAS, a native of Belgium, Alphonse Stroobants was born to Jean Stroobants and Ida Clementine DeWind Stroobants on October 21, 1931; during World War II, he was only nine years old when Germany invaded his homeland, forcing his family to flee on bicycles to France; and
WHEREAS, after graduating with distinction from the College Technique de Charleroi, Alphonse Stroobants immigrated to America, eventually moving to Lynchburg for a job with a local tool and die maker; and
WHEREAS, desirous to live his own American dream, Alphonse Stroobants decided to go into business for himself and with just $3,500 and two employees founded Belvac, formerly Belgium Tool & Die; and
WHEREAS, a hard-working and savvy entrepreneur, Alphonse Stroobants instilled in his employees the value of pride in craftsmanship, which by 1990 led Belvac sales to total $25 million with products sold in 35 countries; and
WHEREAS, Alphonse Stroobants pursued his other great passion, cattle breeding, at his farm, Northcote, located in Bedford County; he gained international renown as one of the top Black Angus cattle breeders in the world; and
WHEREAS, a respected businessman, Alphonse Stroobants received numerous awards and accolades in recognition of his successful business efforts, including the State Small Business Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration; and
WHEREAS, a humble man who remembered his roots in war-torn Europe, Alphonse Stroobants liberally shared his abundance with the local community that had provided him the opportunity to fulfill his dreams and ambitions; and
WHEREAS, Alphonse Stroobants created the Al Stroobants Foundation to help fund and support worthy causes in the community and, after successful open heart surgery at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital’s heart center, he funded a $3 million trust for cardiology services, which was named in his honor as the Stroobants Heart Center; and
WHEREAS, Alphonse Stroobants will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his loving wife, Mary; and numerous other family members, friends, and admirers; 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 an admired and esteemed businessman and philanthropist of the Commonwealth, Alphonse Stroobants; 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 Alphonse Stroobants as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.