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2011 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 861
Celebrating the life of Merrill Sickles, Jr.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 18, 2011
Agreed to by the Senate, February 24, 2011

 

WHEREAS, Merrill Sickles, Jr., of Fairfax, a loving husband, father, and former federal employee, died on April 16, 2010; and

WHEREAS, Merrill Sickles was born on December 13, 1924, the youngest of three children born to Merrill Sickles, Sr., and Olive Sickles; and

WHEREAS, as an active young man, Merrill Sickles played soccer and ran track; he also earned the prestigious Eagle Scout award at age 16; and

WHEREAS, intelligent and hard-working, Merrill Sickles graduated from Calvin Coolidge High School as a member of the National Honor Society and then attended The American University; and

WHEREAS, Merrill Sickles began his career as a warehouse manager of a department store before moving back to the D.C. area and working as a transportation tariff examiner for the Interstate Commerce Commission; and

WHEREAS, a valued employee, Merrill Sickles enjoyed a 39-year career with the federal government, where his knowledge and devotion to duty made a valuable contribution; and

WHEREAS, after retirement, Merrill Sickles enjoyed spending time with his friends and family; writing, including his own “fun and faith” book entitled The Mixing Bowl; and teaching kids and their parents to fish; and

WHEREAS, throughout his adult life, Merrill Sickles dedicated himself to serving the Lord in whatever way he could, including using his notable vocal talents; in fact, his musical talents brought him to his wife, Catherine, whom he met while they were both singing in the Billy Graham Crusade Choir in 1952; and

WHEREAS, Merrill Sickles loved to share his faith with others and his smile and warm spirit uplifted all those with whom he came in contact, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and kindness; and

WHEREAS, a devoted family man, Merrill Sickles will be greatly missed by his beloved wife of 57 years, Catherine; their children Debbie and Mark and their families; 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 a fine Virginian, Merrill Sickles, Jr.; 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 Merrill Sickles, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.