Bill Text: VA HJR360 | 2024 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of the Reverend Dr. David Douglas Burhans.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2024-03-07 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ360ER) [HJR360 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-HJR360-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, the Reverend Dr. David Douglas Burhans, an esteemed faith leader and beloved member of the Richmond community, died on April 11, 2023; and
WHEREAS, David Burhans graduated from William Jewell College with a bachelor's degree in English, then earned a master's degree and doctoral degree of theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; and
WHEREAS, from 1974 to 2004, David Burhans was chaplain of the University of Richmond (U of R), serving as the community's pastor, preacher, and spiritual leader; in 1986, he was named the inaugural Jesse Ball duPont chair of the chaplaincy; and
WHEREAS, beyond serving as a spiritual leader for the university's students, faculty, and staff, David Burhans' accomplishments at U of R included establishing the Wilton Center for Interfaith Campus Ministries, promoting inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ community at the school, and developing and supporting the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of his work with the athletes and coaches of U of R, David Burhans was inducted into the University of Richmond Athletics Hall of Fame in 2012; and
WHEREAS, David Burhans gave generously of his time for the benefit of others through his service on the boards of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, the Virginia Holocaust Museum, and the Charles B. Keesee Education Fund; and
WHEREAS, guided throughout his life by his faith, David Burhans most recently enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community at Grace Baptist Church in Richmond; and
WHEREAS, David Burhans will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his wife of 62 years, Ellen; his children, Ann, David, Jr., Emily, and William, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; 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 the Reverend Dr. David Douglas Burhans, a cherished member of the Richmond community whose faith and leadership were a source of joy and inspiration to all who knew him; 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 the Reverend Dr. David Douglas Burhans as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.
