SEARCH SITE
VIRGINIA LAW PORTAL
- Code of Virginia
- Virginia Administrative Code
- Constitution of Virginia
- Charters
- Authorities
- Compacts
- Uncodified Acts
- RIS Users (account required)
SEARCHABLE DATABASES
- Bills & Resolutions
session legislation - Bill Summaries
session summaries - Reports to the General Assembly
House and Senate documents - Legislative Liaisons
State agency contacts
ACROSS SESSIONS
- Subject Index: Since 1995
- Bills & Resolutions: Since 1994
- Summaries: Since 1994
Developed and maintained by the Division of Legislative Automated Systems.
2011 SESSION
11104576DWHEREAS, Richard DeForest Robertson, a retired business executive who served the City of Staunton and the Commonwealth with great distinction, died on January 20, 2011; and
WHEREAS, a graduate of the University of Connecticut, Richard “Dick” Robertson served as a fighter pilot in World War II, before embarking on a successful business career that eventually led to his relocation to the Shenandoah Valley as plant manager for American Safety Razor Company, a subsidiary of Philip Morris, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, promoted to corporate vice president for Philip Morris, Inc., Dick Robertson chose to commute to New York rather than move for his job because of his deep love and affection for the City of Staunton and the Shenandoah Valley; and
WHEREAS, a successful businessman, Dick Robertson worked diligently to promote the Commonwealth as a great place for businesses through his involvement with local and state chambers of commerce, eventually serving as president of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce in the early 1970s; and
WHEREAS, during part of his tenure at Philip Morris, Dick Robertson was responsible for the company’s environmental protection activities and became involved with numerous state committees regarding the environment, including serving as chair of Virginia’s Council on the Environment; and
WHEREAS, after his retirement, Dick Robertson remained active in state and local affairs, serving on the Staunton City Council, helping develop the American Frontier Culture Museum, and serving as an elder at First Presbyterian Church; and
WHEREAS, Dick Robertson took particular interest in Staunton’s most notable citizen, President Woodrow Wilson, and served as a Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library Foundation trustee and chair of the Pierce-Arrow Committee; and
WHEREAS, an enthusiast of antique cars, Dick Robertson spent more than 20 years on the Pierce-Arrow Committee, which oversees the care and coordinates the showing of President Wilson’s 1919 Pierce Arrow limousine; and
WHEREAS, for more than 20 years, Dick Robertson, as chair of the Pierce-Arrow Committee for the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum, worked tirelessly to restore, repair, and maintain the Pierce-Arrow as a valuable piece of American and presidential history; and
WHEREAS, Dick Robertson oversaw all of the Pierce Arrow’s trips and was especially proud when the car received the “Most Exceptional Car” award at the Kansas City “Art of the Car Concours” in 2010; and
WHEREAS, during his retirement years, Dick Robertson took an active role in organizing projects around Staunton and the Commonwealth that provided services to children and those less fortunate; the Shenandoah chapter of the National Society of Fundraising Executives recognized him in 2000 as its Philanthropist of the Year; and
WHEREAS, a man of high principles and great integrity, Dick Robertson leaves behind a sterling legacy of service to his country, the Commonwealth, and the community that others may strive to emulate; 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 an esteemed citizen of the Commonwealth, Richard DeForest Robertson; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Richard DeForest Robertson as an expression of the General Assembly’s abiding respect for his memory.