WHEREAS, Christopher J. Klicka, senior attorney and director of state and international relations for the Home School Legal Defense Association, died on October 12, 2009, after a 15-year battle with multiple sclerosis; and WHEREAS, Christopher J. "Chris" Klicka was born on April 2, 1961, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of George and Ardath Klicka; graduated from Grove City College in Pennsylvania; and earned a law degree from O.W. Coburn School of Law in Tulsa, Oklahoma; and WHEREAS, in 1985 Chris Klicka joined the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), a nonprofit established to defend and advance the constitutional right of parents to direct the education of their children and to protect family freedoms; and WHEREAS, a passionate advocate for families and children, Chris Klicka diligently researched the laws of all 50 states pertaining to the right of parents to home-school their children; and WHEREAS, Chris Klicka was a prolific writer and an expert in family and domestic law, and his authoritative work, "Home Schooling in the United States: A Legal Analysis," is updated regularly and is the leading reference in the country on the states' home-schooling statutes; and WHEREAS, Chris Klicka traveled around the nation fighting in the courts, state legislatures, and before Congress to establish laws giving families the right to teach their children at home; and WHEREAS, Chris Klicka worked tirelessly to level the playing field for the acceptance of home-schooled students in the military and universities, as well as for them to obtain educational grants, student loans, and veterans and Social Security benefits; and WHEREAS, an inspiration to all who knew him, Chris Klicka leaves behind a legacy of hope and caring that will be carried on by his friends and colleagues at HSLDA; and WHEREAS, Chris Klicka will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his devoted wife, Tracy, and their seven children; other loving family members; numerous admirers; and the thousands of families and young people he helped throughout his lifetime; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates mourn the passing of a fine public servant and outstanding Virginian, Christopher J. Klicka; 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 Christopher J. Klicka as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory. |