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2012 SESSION

12105788D
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 41
Offered March 1, 2012
Celebrating the life of Robert Anthony Snow.
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Patron-- Comstock
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WHEREAS, Robert Anthony “Tony” Snow, who was born in Berea, Kentucky, on June 1, 1955, raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was a resident of Alexandria for 21 years, died on July 12, 2008; and

WHEREAS, after receiving his bachelor of arts in philosophy from Davidson College, Tony Snow took his passion for science and his love of learning abroad to teach youth in Kenya, and also served as a substitute teacher in subjects ranging from calculus to seventh-grade art; and

WHEREAS, after graduate studies in philosophy and economics at the University of Chicago, Tony Snow entered the journalism profession in 1979 as an editorial writer for the Greensboro Record of North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, Tony Snow’s talent for writing and unique and entertaining commentary led him through a series of highly successful positions including editorial writer at The Virginian-Pilot in Norfolk, Virginia, editorial page editor of The Daily Press in Newport News, and deputy editorial page editor of The Detroit News; and

WHEREAS, in 1987 Tony Snow married the former Jill Walker, his beloved wife, whom he had met when they were both working at The Detroit News, and together they raised three children, Kendall, Robbie, and Kristi Snow, who continue to reside in Alexandria, Virginia; and

WHEREAS, after moving to Alexandria in 1987, Tony Snow became the editor of the Washington Times editorial page, where he distinguished himself and earned nationwide prominence while providing leadership and his talents to this great newspaper from 1987 through 1991; and

WHEREAS, Tony Snow also became one of the nation’s most celebrated editorial writers, sharing his humor, political and philosophical insights, and beautiful writing with the nation through a syndicated column that was published in over 200 newspapers across the country; and

WHEREAS, in 1991 Tony Snow left his successful journalism career to serve his country as the Deputy Assistant to the President for Communications and Director of Speechwriting for President George H. W. Bush, and later as Deputy Assistant to the President for Media Affairs; and

WHEREAS, after his service in the White House, Tony Snow became a sought-after and much admired commentator on many radio and television programs including The McLaughlin Group, The MacNeil/Lehrer News Hour, Face the Nation, Crossfire, and Good Morning America; and

WHEREAS, Tony Snow wrote and hosted the PBS news special The New Militant Center and was the first host on the popular program Fox News Sunday, where he appeared weekly from 1996 to 2003; he was also a frequent guest host on the Rush Limbaugh Show and National Public Radio; and

WHEREAS, Tony Snow applied his knowledge of world affairs and his unique brand of humor and commentary to develop and host the popular Tony Snow Show on Fox News Radio, which premiered in 2003; and

WHEREAS, Tony Snow again committed to serve his nation as the White House Press Secretary for President George W. Bush, where he distinguished himself and earned the love and respect of the nation and political leaders throughout the world; and

WHEREAS, Tony Snow was a beloved neighbor and friend of so many in Mount Vernon in Fairfax County, participating in many local activities and serving as a model to youth in that community; and

WHEREAS, Tony Snow, who played the flute, alto flute, soprano sax, alto sax, tenor sax, and guitar, lent to his community his amazing musical talent, playing in local bands Beats Workin’ and Close2Home and appearing with such noted musicians as Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull and Skunk Baxter of Steely Dan and the Dooby Brothers in order to entertain as well as raise tens of thousands of dollars for charity; and

WHEREAS, Tony Snow fought a brave and public battle against colon cancer, which had taken his mother at the age of 39, earning recognition as “Comeback Man of the Year” from the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation (CCFA) in 2006; and

WHEREAS, in honor of his life and service to others, the Great Combacks Program now awards an annual “Tony Snow Public Service Award” to those who have distinguished themselves in service to, and as a voice for, others; and

WHEREAS, Tony Snow was active in many charitable causes including those in support of cancer research, the mentally ill, and the developmentally disabled, as well as the Wounded Warrior Project and their efforts to support our nation’s veterans; and

WHEREAS, the Wounded Warrior Project now awards the annual Tony Snow Award in his honor to recognize a citizen in corporate America, in the media, or as a public figure who by their actions has made a significant difference in the lives of injured servicemen and women and who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the Wounded Warrior Project and its mission; and

WHEREAS, Tony Snow openly shared both his struggle with cancer and his strong faith in God with our nation during his fight against the disease, which finally took his life; he died at Georgetown University Hospital on July 12, 2008, surrounded by his family and the friends and neighbors who loved and respected him so much; and

WHEREAS, Tony Snow will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of 21 years, Jill; his two daughters, Kendall and Kristi, and his son Robbie; and numerous other family members, friends, and admirers throughout the world; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of a respected citizen of the Commonwealth, Robert Anthony Snow; 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 Robert Anthony Snow as an expression of the House of Delegates’ respect for his memory.