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2022 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 335
Commending Samuel Gordon Bickford, Jr.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 7, 2022
Agreed to by the Senate, March 9, 2022

 

WHEREAS, Samuel Gordon Bickford, Jr., a longtime and beloved member of the Roanoke community, celebrated his 90th birthday on February 19, 2022; and

WHEREAS, born in Roanoke and living for a time in Suffolk, Samuel Bickford attended the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) and later served his country honorably in the United States Marine Corps Reserve; and

WHEREAS, Samuel Bickford got married and started a family in Roanoke, raising three children while working for General Electric in Salem, attending Salem Presbyterian Church, and leading Boy Scouts of America Troop 54; and

WHEREAS, Samuel Bickford’s career would take him to Winston-Salem, Chicago, Cincinnati, and ultimately Philadelphia, where he worked for Westmoreland Coal; and

WHEREAS, after retirement, Samuel Bickford and his wife, Faith, returned to Roanoke and rejoined their extensive community of friends and neighbors from before they left; and

WHEREAS, Samuel Bickford gave generously of his time by volunteering at Carilion Hospital, brightening many people’s days with his positive and friendly demeanor; and

WHEREAS, a proud Virginia Tech alum, Samuel Bickford frequented Hokie sporting events for many years, while giving amply to the university’s Corps of Cadets; and

WHEREAS, four years after Samuel Bickford’s loving wife Faith passed away in 1991, he married Mary Kistler, with whom he shared many fond years; and

WHEREAS, Samuel Bickford has recently moved to the senior living community at Pheasant Ridge in Roanoke, where he has been able to maintain both his health and an active social life; and

WHEREAS, at 90 years of age, Samuel Bickford has the great privilege of living near his children and seeing them regularly, which provides a source of immense joy and fulfillment; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Samuel Gordon Bickford, Jr., cherished member of the Roanoke community, in celebration of his 90th birthday; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Samuel Gordon Bickford, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for his contributions to the Commonwealth and best wishes on this momentous occasion.