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2013 SESSION
WHEREAS, Colonel John Robertson Byers, USA (Ret.), a distinguished military veteran who played a significant role in the growth and development of the Mount Vernon community through his civic involvement, died on July 29, 2012; and
WHEREAS, a graduate of the United States Military Academy, John Byers earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a master’s degree in business administration from Central Michigan University; and
WHEREAS, an admired officer, Colonel Byers proudly served his country during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, retiring after 31 years; and
WHEREAS, during his meritorious career, Colonel Byers earned the Legion of Merit, the Soldier’s Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, the Joint Service Commendation, and the Army Commendation Medal; and
WHEREAS, after retiring from the military, Colonel Byers began a second career as manager of the Arlington offices of Data-Design Laboratories and as owner and director of the Prince Royal Galleries in Old Town Alexandria; and
WHEREAS, a man of tremendous energy and vision, John Byers took an active role in community affairs, serving on the Mount Vernon Planning Commission for 21 years, including 10 years as vice chair, and serving as a member of the Mount Vernon Council of Citizens’ Association’s Planning and Zoning Committee for over three decades; and
WHEREAS, John Byers also served on every Area Plan Review Task Force for the Mount Vernon District and had been chair of the Mount Vernon Visioning Task Force Land Use Committee and the Fairfax County Group Residential Facilities Commission and a member of the PLUS Committee; and
WHEREAS, John Byers was also a charter member of the Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation and served four times as president of the Williamsburg Manor North Community Association; and
WHEREAS, at the time of his passing, John Byers served on Fairfax County’s Water Authority, Human Services Council, Economic Advisory Commission, Community Revitalization and Reinvestment Advisory Group, Barbara Baron Volunteer Award Selection Committee, and A. Heath Onthank Award Selection Committee; and
WHEREAS, John Byers worked diligently and creatively alongside other civic and government leaders to help transform Richmond Highway into a thriving business corridor and to develop the old Lorton penitentiary into the Laurel Hill Parklands, where area residents can enjoy beautiful parkland and a host of other amenities; and
WHEREAS, committed to the well-being and prosperity of the Mount Vernon community and Fairfax County, John Byers made many significant and lasting contributions that will continue to be of benefit to local residents; and
WHEREAS, John Byers dedicated his life to the service of others and will be greatly missed by his wife of 61 years, Peggy; children, Susan, Leslie, and Dan, and their families; numerous other family members and friends; and the residents of Mount Vernon; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of a dedicated civic and community leader and distinguished veteran, Colonel John Robertson Byers, USA (Ret.); and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Colonel John Robertson Byers, USA (Ret.), as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.