SEARCH SITE

VIRGINIA LAW PORTAL

SEARCHABLE DATABASES

ACROSS SESSIONS

Developed and maintained by the Division of Legislative Automated Systems.

2013 SESSION

13104678D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 907
Offered February 14, 2013
Celebrating the life of Thomas Cole Stone Ryan.
----------
Patron-- Rush
----------

WHEREAS, 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.