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2011 SESSION

11104598D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 898
Offered February 16, 2011
Celebrating the life of John Harvey Ariail, Jr.
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Patrons-- Englin, Ebbin, Herring, and Howell, W.J.; Senator: Ticer
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WHEREAS, John Harvey Ariail, Jr., a notable attorney and businessman and admired philanthropist from Alexandria, died on January 20, 2011; and

WHEREAS, a native of South Carolina, John Ariail earned a bachelor’s degree from Davidson College and law degree from the University of Virginia before proudly serving his country as a captain in the United States Army and then the Central Intelligence Agency in Austria; and

WHEREAS, after his service abroad, John Ariail came to the Northern Virginia area and established a thriving legal and business career, serving as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County before joining the law firm of Smith, Harrison & Ramsey, which later became Mays & Valentine; and

WHEREAS, a successful entrepreneur, John Ariail cofounded the Sport and Health Clubs group and Lorton’s Workhouse Arts Center; he co-owned several restaurants and the Alexandria Times and developed the Penrose Square complex and other family real estate ventures through B.M. Smith & Associates Inc.; and

WHEREAS, a devoted citizen of Alexandria who took great pride in its progress, John Ariail made the historic Lord Fairfax House his home and played a pivotal role in the creation of Alexandria in Bloom, whose mission is to beautify the streets of Alexandria with plant life; and

WHEREAS, a noted contributor to many organizations and individuals, John Ariail served on the Virginia State Water Control Board, was a founding board member of the Menokin Foundation, was a founding board member and chair of the Lorton Arts Foundation, and served on the boards of numerous educational institutions; and

WHEREAS, a man of great faith, John Ariail was an active Episcopalian, serving in many capacities including as a missionary to Tororo, Uganda, and cochair of the Diocese of Virginia’s Fifth Century Fund; and

WHEREAS, a true gentleman, John Ariail touched the lives of all with whom he came in contact and profoundly influenced the growth and development of Alexandria; and

WHEREAS, John Ariail will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of 43 years, Leslie; children, Allison Erdle, John H. Ariail III, and J.E. Shreve Ariail and their families, including three precious grandchildren; 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 successful entrepreneur and generous philanthropist, John Harvey Ariail, 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 John Harvey Ariail, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.