WHEREAS, George and Dorothy Ftikas were generous patrons of the arts who enhanced cultural life in Northern Virginia by supporting access to the theater and to symphonic and chamber music as donors to the Arena Stage, the National Symphony Orchestra, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; and

WHEREAS, George Ftikas grew up in Thessaloniki, Greece, where he began to cultivate a passion for the power of music at a young age after hearing Ludwig van Beethoven's Egmont Overture on his cousin's gramophone; and

WHEREAS, during World War II, George Ftikas produced a monthly publication documenting the abuses of the Nazis during their occupation of his country; his firsthand account of life in Greece during the war was recorded by the National Holocaust Museum and remains available on the museum's website; and

WHEREAS, Dorothy "Duffy" Ftikas also developed a love of music at a young age by listening to her mother play piano in their home and collecting concert tickets and records with the help of her grandfather; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from Columbia University, Duffy Ftikas pursued a career as an occupational therapist and helped disabled children learn self-care skills; she was a trusted mentor to many other occupational therapists over the years; and

WHEREAS, in 1986, George and Duffy Ftikas settled in the Washington, D.C., area and quickly became subscribers to the Arena Stage and the National Symphony Orchestra at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; the couple enjoyed countless performances over the years and proudly sponsored productions at Arena Stage and promoted the National Symphony Orchestra as one of the finest in the world; and

WHEREAS, after they retired from their respective careers, George and Duffy Ftikas continued to enjoy opportunities to hear acclaimed musical performances in the nation's capital, but also traveled the world, visiting destinations like Fiji, Tahiti, Bali, Tasmania, and New Zealand; and

WHEREAS, George and Duffy Ftikas will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by numerous family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of George and Dorothy Ftikas, who left a legacy of contributions to the musical arts community in Northern Virginia; 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 George and Dorothy Ftikas as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for their memory.