Bill Text: VA HJR861 | 2013 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Donald Neff Rose, Sr.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2013-02-21 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ861ER) [HJR861 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2013-HJR861-Enrolled.html
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WHEREAS, Donald Neff Rose, Sr., a coach, manager, and mentor for three separate youth sports leagues in Loudoun County, died on January 24, 2013; and WHEREAS, born on October 16, 1938, Donald "Don" Rose spent his early years working on his family's farm in Marshall; he loved to play sports and, when his chores were done, he hitchhiked to practices in the area; and WHEREAS, after high school, Don Rose enlisted in the United States Army and served as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division; and WHEREAS, returning to the Commonwealth after his honorable discharge from military service, Don Rose joined the family business, LEO Construction, and became vice president; and WHEREAS, recalling his limited access to athletic programs as a child, Don Rose embarked on an almost 50-year mission to provide greater opportunities for young athletes in Loudoun County; and WHEREAS, Don Rose took an active role in three sports leagues in Loudoun County—baseball, basketball, and football—and handled coaching, managing, and fundraising with equal dedication in each league; and WHEREAS, as a coach in almost 500 football games and an estimated 2,000 baseball games, Don Rose touched thousands of lives by instilling the values of respect, sportsmanship, and hard work in his players; and WHEREAS, going out of his way to engage and motivate his athletes, Don Rose was always there when his players needed him and even sent messages to parents complimenting their child's performance; and WHEREAS, with help from LEO Construction, Don Rose ensured that his athletes always had a place to play, leading efforts to build and enhance playing fields throughout the area and spearheading improvements to Fireman's Field in Purcellville; and WHEREAS, one of Don Rose's greatest accomplishments was bringing the Greater Loudoun Babe Ruth World Series baseball tournament to Purcellville in 1998; he also served as the state commissioner for the Babe Ruth Leagues of Virginia; and WHEREAS, Don Rose received many well-deserved accolades for his work, including when he was named the Loudoun Times-Mirror 2003 Citizen of the Year and when the Loudoun all-star baseball team renamed itself the Don Rose Lions in 2004 to honor his tireless commitment to the league; and WHEREAS, as a champion for youth sports, Don Rose's legacy lives on in the thousands of athletes he supported and the many more who continue to enjoy the institutions he strengthened; and WHEREAS, donating his time to more than just the youth of the community, Don Rose was active with the Purcellville Rotary Club, helping to restore and enhance homes for the elderly; and WHEREAS, predeceased by his wife, Brenda, Don Rose will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his children, Donald, Jr., Mark, Robin, and Boomer; and many 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 Donald Neff Rose, Sr., a coach, manager, and mentor to countless young athletes in Loudoun County; 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 Donald Neff Rose, Sr., as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory. |
