SEARCH SITE

VIRGINIA LAW PORTAL

SEARCHABLE DATABASES

ACROSS SESSIONS

Developed and maintained by the Division of Legislative Automated Systems.

2012 SESSION

12105033D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 371
Offered February 14, 2012
Celebrating the life of the Honorable Hal J. Bonney, Jr.
----------
Patron-- Howell, A.T.
----------

WHEREAS, the Honorable Hal J. Bonney, Jr., who served the citizens of the Commonwealth with great distinction as a federal bankruptcy judge for the United States District Court, Eastern District of Virginia for 25 years, died on January 22, 2012; and

WHEREAS, as a young man, Hal Bonney had the unique opportunity to reside at the historic Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, where his father was the food steward; and

WHEREAS, Hal Bonney graduated from John Marshall High School and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Richmond before embarking on a career in education at Norview High School; he also spent several years as the headmaster at Douglas MacArthur Academy; and

WHEREAS, Hal Bonney returned to school after several years of teaching to earn a law degree at The College of William & Mary, while also continuing to teach in the evenings at The College of William & Mary, the University of Virginia, and Regent University; and

WHEREAS, while in law school, Hal Bonney developed a deep knowledge of and appreciation for the law that would mark his career and profoundly shape his views; and

WHEREAS, Hal Bonney faithfully served the residents of the Eastern District Court of Virginia for 25 years as a judge, presiding with great fairness, integrity, and common sense until his retirement in 1995; and

WHEREAS, after years on the bench as a bankruptcy judge, Hal Bonney developed an admired head for business affairs and, in retirement, became a certified movie producer and sought-after Hollywood consultant; and

WHEREAS, a deeply spiritual man who desired to be of service to others, Hal Bonney took an active role in community and church affairs as a member of the board of visitors at Duke Divinity School, commissioner for the City of Norfolk Recreation, Parks and Open Space Department, vice president of Union Mission Ministries, member of Calvary Temple Church, and longtime teacher of the Wesleymen Bible Class; and

WHEREAS, a devoted family man, Hal Bonney will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his sons, David and John, and their families and numerous other family members and friends; 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 jurist and community supporter, the Honorable Hal J. Bonney, 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 the Honorable Hal J. Bonney, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.