Bill Text: VA SJR127 | 2014 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Joshua P. Darden, Jr.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-1)
Status: (Passed) 2014-02-21 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ127ER) [SJR127 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2014-SJR127-Enrolled.html
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WHEREAS, Joshua P. Darden, Jr., a respected businessman, generous philanthropist, and civic leader in Norfolk, died on January 22, 2014; and WHEREAS, a native of Norfolk, Joshua "Josh" Darden graduated from Episcopal High School in Alexandria and later earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia, where he played lacrosse and served as the president of the student council; and WHEREAS, after serving his country as a paratrooper and an artillery officer in the United States Army, Josh Darden returned to Norfolk and joined his father's business, Colonial Chevrolet, in 1959; after becoming president of the company in 1968, he helped expand the business to include 10 dealerships as the Colonial Auto Group; and WHEREAS, building a strong company culture that provided quality training and development opportunities and encouraged growth, Josh Darden earned an automobile dealer award from Time magazine in 1986; he graciously accepted the award on behalf of his employees, more than 20 of whom would go on to open or manage their own dealerships and carry on an enduring tradition of philanthropy; and WHEREAS, in recognition of his legacy as a leader, mentor, and role model in the automotive industry, Josh Darden's name has been submitted as a candidate for induction into the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Michigan; and WHEREAS, a proud alumnus of the University of Virginia, Josh Darden served as the rector of the university's Board of Visitors in the late 1980s; he co-led a highly successful fundraising campaign that earned record contributions; and WHEREAS, in 1988, Josh Darden cofounded the ACCESS College Foundation to help low-income students find and receive financial aid; the organization has helped over 40,000 students achieve their dreams and attend college; and WHEREAS, believing that he could continue to make a difference in the community, Josh Darden sold his business in 1994 and fully dedicated himself to charitable activities and civic leadership; a humble man, Josh Darden preferred to avoid the spotlight, often mentoring or offering his wise counsel to other community leaders and public officials in the area; and WHEREAS, in 1996, Josh Darden cofounded the CIVIC Leadership Institute to train future leaders of nonprofit organizations; the organization has encouraged countless individuals to engage in public service and enhance the community; and WHEREAS, Josh Darden offered his wise leadership to several committees and commissions addressing transportation and education issues locally and throughout the Commonwealth; he earned many awards and accolades for his tireless service; and WHEREAS, from 1999 to 2009 as chair of the Norfolk Foundation, one of the area's largest charitable organizations, Josh Darden helped the organization grow further and touch countless lives in the region; his last major project was to lead successful fundraising efforts for the construction of the local Salvation Army's Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center; and WHEREAS, Josh Darden will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his wife, Betty; daughters, Holley and Audrey, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Joshua P. Darden, Jr., a philanthropist, civic leader, and pillar of the Norfolk community; and, be it RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Joshua P. Darden, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory. |
