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2015 SESSION

15103563D
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 326
Offered February 4, 2015
Celebrating the life of Horton Penrose Beirne.
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Patrons-- Deeds; Delegate: Austin
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WHEREAS, Horton Penrose Beirne of Covington, a newspaper publisher, a supporter of many community and civic organizations, a man of faith, and a devoted husband and father, died on January 10, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Horton Beirne was the fourth generation of his family to run a newspaper; in the 19th century, his great-grandfather owned The State newspaper in Richmond, and his grandfather and father preceded him as publishers of what today is called Virginian Review in Covington; and

WHEREAS, one of Horton Beirne’s earliest childhood memories was accompanying his father to work; while his father conducted business, he picked up lead slugs from the floor of the printing press to be melted down and reused in the printing process; he started working in the newsroom when he was 15; and

WHEREAS, Horton Beirne attended public schools in Covington and received his diploma from Alleghany County High School; while earning a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, he served as a photographer and editor of the university newspaper; and

WHEREAS, Horton Beirne spent his entire career in journalism; he worked for the Richmond Times-Dispatch for three years before returning to Covington in 1972 as production manager of the Covington Virginian; he was named the newspaper’s editor in 1974; and

WHEREAS, under Horton Beirne’s direction, the newspaper merged with the Clifton Forge Daily Review in 1988 and was renamed the Virginian Review; when his father died in 1992, Horton Beirne became publisher of the local newspaper; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Press Association recognized Horton Beirne over the years with awards for columns, feature articles, and editorials he wrote, and for editing; he was president of the press association and served on the board; and

WHEREAS, Horton Beirne was a member of many civic organizations, including the Alleghany Historical Society, Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Corporation, Covington-Hot Springs Rotary Club, Alleghany Highlands Christmas Mother program, and many other groups interested in the betterment of the community and preserving the rich history of the Alleghany Highlands; and

WHEREAS, Horton Beirne was a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church and was deeply involved in its ministry; he served as a member of the vestry, was church treasurer for 25 years, Bible class teacher, and was an usher, lay reader, and member of the choir; and

WHEREAS, in addition to Mary Ann, his wife of 38 years, Horton Beirne will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his children, Joy, Elizabeth, and Horton, and their families; and by many other family members and friends; 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 Horton Penrose Beirne of Covington, a newspaper publisher, a supporter of many community and civic organizations, a man of faith, and a devoted husband and father; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Horton Penrose Beirne as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.