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2020 SPECIAL SESSION I

20201231D
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 609
Offered September 25, 2020
Celebrating the life of Bruce L. Fariss, Sr., M.D.
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Patron-- Rush
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WHEREAS, Bruce L. Fariss, Sr., M.D., an honorable veteran, accomplished physician, and dedicated public servant of Pulaski County, died on September 12, 2020, surrounded by his loving family; and

WHEREAS, Bruce Fariss was valedictorian at Draper High School and subsequently earned a Bachelor of Science at Roanoke College and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Virginia School of Medicine; and

WHEREAS, after medical school, Bruce Fariss joined the United States Army as a general practitioner and completed a residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in endocrinology; distinguishing himself through his exceptional work ethic and commitment, he was promoted to the rank of colonel by the age of 35; and

WHEREAS, with the United States Army, Bruce Fariss moved around the country and spent multiple years overseas in Germany, serving as both an executive and a consultant for the United States Army Medical Command of Europe; and

WHEREAS, after his time in Germany, Bruce Fariss was stationed at Madigan Army Medical Center, where he led clinical investigations, was director of the endocrine fellowship, and acted as center commander; and

WHEREAS, as director of the Madigan Army Medical Center’s research laboratory, Bruce Fariss made numerous medical discoveries that are still applied today and published 52 peer-reviewed articles on various topics; and

WHEREAS, during his remarkable military career, Bruce Fariss held the esteemed position of consultant in endocrinology to the Surgeon General of the United States Army; and

WHEREAS, Bruce Fariss retired from the United States Army in 1984 and started a private practice in Radford, later moving to Dublin, where he saw patients with endocrinology and metabolism issues until his retirement in 2020; and

WHEREAS, committed to the well-being of his community, Bruce Fariss was active in local politics, serving as a member of the Pulaski County Board of Supervisors for sixteen years and as a member of Pulaski County’s Planning Commission; and

WHEREAS, during his years as a supervisor of Pulaski County, Bruce Fariss helped lead the development of Randolph Park and the paving of many rural roads within the county; and

WHEREAS, Bruce Fariss gave generously of his time and talents to numerous civic organizations, including New River Recycling, the Pulaski County Recreation Society, the Southwest Virginia Governor’s School Education Foundation, the Virginia Advisory Committee for the Education of the Gifted, the American Forestry Association, and the board of directors of the Tacoma Philharmonic; and

WHEREAS, while maintaining his private medical practice, Bruce Fariss was the chief of staff at the Carilion New River Valley Medical Center for more than a decade, an adjunct professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and a mentor to countless medical residents and students who trained at his practice; and

WHEREAS, Bruce Fariss received many awards during his career, including the United States Army Certificate of Achievement, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the United States Army’s “A” Prefix for proficiency in endocrinology, the Roanoke College Medal, and the Order of Military Medical Merit; and

WHEREAS, as an indication of his tremendous professional and civic accomplishments, Bruce Fariss was recognized in past publications of Who’s Who in the World, Who’s Who in the South/Southwest, Who’s Who in the West, Who’s Who in Science and Technology, and Who’s Who in America; and

WHEREAS, Bruce Fariss was a member of many professional societies, including the Southern Medical Association, the Southwest Virginia Medical Association, Alpha Omega Alpha, the American Federation for Clinical Research, the Endocrine Society, the American Diabetes Association, and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists; and

WHEREAS, preceded in death by his daughter, Melissa, and his grandsons, Gabriel and Todd, Bruce Fariss will be dearly remembered and fondly missed by his loving wife, Cheryl; his children, Adam, Henry, Sarah, Caroline, Bruce, Jr., Meg, and Susan, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Bruce L. Fariss, Sr., M.D., an honorable veteran, talented physician, and devoted public servant, who touched countless lives through his positivity and unceasing commitment to helping others thrive; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Cheryl Tomasi Fariss as an expression of the House of Delegates’ respect for the memory of Bruce L. Fariss, Sr., M.D., whose eternal love for her and his family will forever remain his greatest accomplishment of all.