Bill Text: VA HJR796 | 2015 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Arthur A. Kirk, M.D.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 2-1)
Status: (Passed) 2015-02-20 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ796ER) [HJR796 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2015-HJR796-Enrolled.html
|
WHEREAS, Arthur A. Kirk, M.D., an accomplished orthopedic surgeon and physician, respected philanthropist, and devoted community leader who worked to enhance the lives of all Portsmouth residents, died on January 26, 2015; and WHEREAS, a native of Suffolk, Arthur Kirk worked in his father's sawmill when he was young and learned the value of hard work, responsibility, and generosity as a child of the Great Depression; and WHEREAS, Arthur Kirk graduated from Chuckatuck High School and earned a bachelor's degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a medical degree from what was then known as the Medical College of Virginia; he completed an internship at Walter Reed Army Hospital, where he specialized in orthopedics; and WHEREAS, Dr. Kirk joined many of the other young men of his generation in service to his country during World War II as a member of the United States Army; he served as a major and commanded a unit that provided medical support to the 82nd Airborne and treated prisoners at a concentration camp near Ludwigslust, Germany; and WHEREAS, in 1951, Dr. Kirk opened Portsmouth's first orthopedic practice, where he pioneered innovative techniques and treated community members for major and minor injuries for more than four decades until his retirement in 1994; and WHEREAS, a humble and generous philanthropist, Dr. Kirk supported Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Old Dominion University, the Medical College of Virginia, the Medical Society of Virginia, Bon Secours Maryview Foundation, and the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame; and WHEREAS, Dr. Kirk was the first donor to the Portsmouth Community Foundation, now known as the Southeast Virginia Community Foundation, which makes significant contributions to local arts and culture, civic and economic development, education, and health and human services; he also volunteered his time and talents outside the United States, serving on medical missions in Afghanistan and Indonesia; and WHEREAS, taking special interest in the youth of the community, Dr. Kirk operated a clinic for indigent children for 40 years, and he cofounded the Kirk-Cone Rehabilitation Center for Children, which supported children unable to attend school due to medical conditions; and WHEREAS, Dr. Kirk supported and mentored local youths as the resident physician for the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament and the physician for high school football and basketball teams in Portsmouth; and WHEREAS, a talented amateur gemologist and horticulturist, Dr. Kirk developed two camellias that were recognized by the American Camellia Society and donated rare gems to Old Dominion University, the Smithsonian Institution, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; and WHEREAS, earning countless awards and accolades for his leadership and beneficent work, Dr. Kirk was named First Citizen of Portsmouth in 2004 and Philanthropist of the Year on Philanthropy Day 2014; and WHEREAS, predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Marie, and one son, William, Dr. Kirk will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his children, Arthur and Ann, and their families; numerous other family members and friends; former patients 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 Arthur A. Kirk, M.D., a caring surgeon and doctor, passionate philanthropist, and pillar of the Portsmouth community; 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 Arthur A. Kirk, M.D., as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory. |
