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2014 SESSION

14103302D
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 71
Offered January 9, 2014
Celebrating the life of Ralph Edwin Shank.
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Patron-- Adams
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WHEREAS, Ralph Edwin Shank of Martinsville, an influential musician and educator whose positive influence and guidance benefitted thousands of students, died on April 30, 2013; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Shank, a native of Buchanan, graduated from Buchanan High School in 1935 and received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois; he later received a master’s degree from Columbia University; and

WHEREAS, after college, Ralph Shank became director of instrumental music at Jefferson High School in Roanoke before joining the United States Army in 1941; he spent five years as a bandsman for the 116th Infantry Brigade, 29th Division Army Band; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Shank participated in the D-Day invasion of Normandy during World War II; the army band he conducted was the first American band to play in Berlin, Germany, after it fell to Allied forces; and

WHEREAS, in 1947, Ralph Shank moved to Martinsville to establish an instrumental music program in the schools; the band began with about 30 students who played at the first high school football game that fall; and

WHEREAS, under Ralph Shank’s guidance and encouragement, the Martinsville High School band aspired to excellence and soon began winning local and state competitions; in the process, Ralph Shank was a mentor to thousands of students, providing advice, guidance, and friendship; and

WHEREAS, after 21 years of teaching music, Ralph Shank became principal of Druid Hills Elementary School in Martinsville and later was principal of Martinsville High School; he eventually returned to the helm of Druid Hills Elementary School and retired in 1979; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Shank’s influence was felt far and wide; one former band member acknowledged his former teacher’s 90th birthday with a YouTube video of local bands on parade in Santiago, Panama; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Shank’s kindness and inspiration will be remembered by the many people who counted themselves as his friend, and he was well loved by students who played in the Martinsville High School band; and

WHEREAS, during a long and productive career, Ralph Shank served as president of the Virginia Band Directors Association and for many years was choir director at First Presbyterian Church in Martinsville; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by his wife, Jean, Ralph Shank will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his children, Ralph, Jr., Randall, Susan, and Ann, and their families; many other family members and friends; former band students; and colleagues; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Ralph Edwin Shank, an esteemed band teacher and school administrator, who was a friend and mentor to many people; 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 Ralph Edwin Shank as an expression of the House of Delegates’ respect for his memory.