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2013 SESSION
13104678DWHEREAS, Thomas Cole Stone Ryan, a successful businessman, a cherished author, and an inspirational friend to many in Floyd County, died on January 12, 2013; and
WHEREAS, born in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1954, Thomas “Tom” Ryan attended high school in Louisiana and earned a bachelor’s degree from what is now known as Saint Andrews University in North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, an accomplished entrepreneur, Tom Ryan opened his first business, El Artisano gift store, in Louisiana at the age of 22 and later cofounded Tri-State Home Show in West Virginia; and
WHEREAS, after moving to Floyd, Tom Ryan briefly co-owned the Harvest Moon natural foods store and worked as a bartender and music promoter at Pine Tavern; and
WHEREAS, in 2010 Tom Ryan opened another gift store, the Republic of Floyd Emporium, which became a landmark in the town, drawing locals and tourists alike with its eclectic selection; many people came by the store just to sit on the patio and hear one of Tom Ryan’s many stories; and
WHEREAS, Tom Ryan’s abilities as a storyteller and love for life served him well as a satirical author in Floyd; distributing the Floyd Enquirer via email, Tom Ryan was acclaimed for his amusing commentary about the town; and
WHEREAS, promoting Floyd’s unique culture, Tom Ryan gathered recipes, including many closely guarded family secrets, from his fellow residents and published the Floyd Dysfunctional Family Cookbook; and
WHEREAS, serving as a previous vice president of the Floyd County Chamber of Commerce, Tom Ryan worked to promote tourism in the area and invigorate downtown Floyd; and
WHEREAS, with his long hair and Hawaiian shirts, Tom Ryan’s laid-back nature belied a keen business sense and stalwart dedication to the community; his legacy lives on in the many friends he encouraged to live life to its fullest; and
WHEREAS, a loving and dedicated father and grandfather, Tom Ryan will be greatly missed by his children, Edward and Jessica, and their families; his father, Edward; and many other family members, friends, and residents of Floyd County; 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 Thomas Cole Stone Ryan, an entrepreneur, an author, and a pillar of the Floyd County community; 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 Thomas Cole Stone Ryan as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.