Bill Text: VA HJR898 | 2011 | Regular Session | Enrolled

Virginia House Joint Resolution 898 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: Celebrating the life of John Harvey Ariail, Jr.

Sponsorship: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-1)

Status: (Passed) 2011-02-24 - House: Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ898ER) [HJR898 Detail]

Download: Virginia-2011-HJR898-Enrolled.html

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 898 Celebrating the life of John Harvey Ariail, Jr.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 18, 2011 Agreed to by the Senate, February 24, 2011

WHEREAS, John Harvey Ariail, Jr., a notable attorney and businessman and admired philanthropist from Alexandria, died on January 20, 2011; and

WHEREAS, a native of South Carolina, John Ariail earned a bachelor's degree from Davidson College and law degree from the University of Virginia before proudly serving his country as a captain in the United States Army and then the Central Intelligence Agency in Austria; and

WHEREAS, after his service abroad, John Ariail came to the Northern Virginia area and established a thriving legal and business career, serving as an Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney for Arlington County before joining the law firm of Smith, Harrison & Ramsey, which later became Mays & Valentine; and

WHEREAS, a successful entrepreneur, John Ariail cofounded the Sport and Health Clubs group and Lorton's Workhouse Arts Center; he co-owned several restaurants and the Alexandria Times and developed the Penrose Square complex and other family real estate ventures through B.M. Smith & Associates Inc.; and

WHEREAS, a devoted citizen of Alexandria who took great pride in its progress, John Ariail made the historic Lord Fairfax House his home and played a pivotal role in the creation of Alexandria in Bloom, whose mission is to beautify the streets of Alexandria with plant life; and

WHEREAS, a noted contributor to many organizations and individuals, John Ariail served on the Virginia State Water Control Board, was a founding board member of the Menokin Foundation, was a founding board member and chair of the Lorton Arts Foundation, and served on the boards of numerous educational institutions; and

WHEREAS, a man of great faith, John Ariail was an active Episcopalian, serving in many capacities including as a missionary to Tororo, Uganda, and cochair of the Diocese of Virginia's Fifth Century Fund; and

WHEREAS, a true gentleman, John Ariail touched the lives of all with whom he came in contact and profoundly influenced the growth and development of Alexandria; and

WHEREAS, John Ariail will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of 43 years, Leslie; children, Allison Erdle, John H. Ariail III, and J.E. Shreve Ariail and their families, including three precious grandchildren; and numerous other family members, friends, and admirers; 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 a successful entrepreneur and generous philanthropist, John Harvey Ariail, Jr.; 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 John Harvey Ariail, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.