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2022 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 45
Celebrating the life of Linwood Harper.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 17, 2022
Agreed to by the Senate, January 20, 2022

 

WHEREAS, Linwood Harper, a longtime member of the Hampton School Board who created many successful programs to mentor and inspire local youths, died on March 15, 2018; and

WHEREAS, a native of Hampton, Linwood “Butch” Harper graduated from Phenix High School, then served his country as a member of the United States Air Force; he subsequently earned a bachelor’s degree from Norfolk State University and worked at the Newport News Shipyard; and

WHEREAS, Butch Harper served as a substitute teacher in Newport News Public Schools and Hampton City Schools; he was first elected to the Hampton School Board in 1994 and served the community as a visionary and deeply dedicated member of the board for the next 24 years; and

WHEREAS, Butch Harper supported youth development initiatives throughout Hampton Roads, including the Boo Williams Amateur Athletic Union basketball program and a support program for children in eighth grade and younger; and

WHEREAS, in 1982, Butch Harper cofounded the Aberdeen Athletic Association, now Deen Ball Sports, Inc., which grew to include 20 basketball, six baseball, five football, and five cheerleading teams, representing more than 100 coaches and 700 athletes; and

WHEREAS, Butch Harper was a trusted friend and mentor to his fellow members of the Hampton School Board, respected for his kindness, generosity, and commitment to building new opportunities for young people in the community; and

WHEREAS, Butch Harper will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of more than 48 years, Yvonne; his children, Cassandra and Stefani, and their families; and numerous other family, friends, and colleagues; 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 Linwood Harper, a champion for young people in Hampton Roads; 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 Linwood Harper as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.