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2012 SPECIAL SESSION I


SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 512
Celebrating the life of Harold Shipp Whitehurst.
 
Agreed to by the Senate, April 17, 2012
 

WHEREAS, Harold Shipp Whitehurst, the first director of the City of Virginia Beach’s Parks and Recreation Department whose contributions to city parks and recreational activities continue to enrich the lives of residents today, died on April 13, 2012; and

WHEREAS, a native of Norfolk, Harold Whitehurst graduated from Maury High School, proudly served his country in the United States Coast Guard, earned a bachelor’s degree from The College of William and Mary, and received a bachelor’s and master’s degree from East Carolina University, where he played baseball; and

WHEREAS, a fitness enthusiast, Harold Whitehurst began his career in the Princess Anne County school system, teaching physical education and inspiring youth to develop lifelong fitness habits; and

WHEREAS, Harold Whitehurst moved into administration, coordinating physical education efforts for Princess Anne County public schools until he joined the City of Virginia Beach as its director of Parks, Recreation, and Physical Education in 1960; and

WHEREAS, in 1974, Harold Whitehurst became Virginia Beach’s first director of Parks and Recreation, a position he held until his retirement in 1991; he also served as an instructor at Tidewater Community College and the University of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, as the population of Virginia Beach grew, Harold Whitehurst worked alongside city officials and other local leaders to ensure adequate facilities and recreational opportunities to enhance the lives of local residents; and

WHEREAS, an innovative leader, Harold Whitehurst oversaw the development of Mt. Trashmore, Red Wing and Bow Creek Golf Courses, Owl Creek Tennis Center, and Kempsville and Great Neck Recreation Centers; and

WHEREAS, Harold Whitehurst earned many awards and accolades for his many contributions to parks and recreation, including an honorary life membership in the National Congress of Parents and Teachers and recognition from the Boy Scouts of America, the Golden Olympics of Virginia, and the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation; and

WHEREAS, respected by his colleagues across the state, Harold Whitehurst served as president of the Virginia Association for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation and on the board of trustees of the Virginia Outdoors Foundation; and

WHEREAS, a man of deep faith, Harold Whitehurst took an active role in his church and served the community through his membership in the Virginia Beach Rotary Club; and

WHEREAS, residents of and visitors to Virginia Beach enjoy fine recreational facilities and activities and beautiful parks thanks to the vision and hard work of Harold Whitehurst; and

WHEREAS, a devoted family man, Harold Whitehurst leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of over 55 years, Dorothy; children, Ellen and Diane, and their families; and numerous other family members, friends, and admirers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of an extraordinary citizen of Virginia Beach, Harold Shipp Whitehurst; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Harold Shipp Whitehurst as an expression of the Senate of Virginia’s respect for his memory.