Bill Text: VA SJR171 | 2018 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of William Mervin Lechler.
Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Republican 2)
Status: (Passed) 2018-03-07 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ171ER) [SJR171 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2018-SJR171-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, William Mervin Lechler, a loving father and husband, respected business leader in Chesapeake, and active citizen who gave generously of his time in service to civic organizations, died on July 31, 2017; and
WHEREAS, a native of Pennsylvania, William "Bill" Lechler attended Pennsylvania State University, where he played on the football team, and then served his country in the United States Army; and
WHEREAS, Bill Lechler's personal integrity and bold leadership saw him forge a long and distinguished career in the power transmission industry; from 1991 until his retirement in 1998, he served as president of Sumitomo Machinery Corporation, a Japanese machinery manufacturer in Chesapeake; and
WHEREAS, Bill Lechler brought his wide-ranging talents to several boards, including the Board of Visitors of Old Dominion University, the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance, the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, Bill Lechler also served as finance committee chair for the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation Board of Trustees and was an active member of the Japan-Virginia Society and the Freemasons; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of his long service to the Commonwealth, Bill Lechler received the prestigious Patrick Henry Award from Governor Jim Gilmore in 2001; and
WHEREAS, an avid outdoorsman, Bill Lechler was happiest when hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and boating or spending time traveling with family and friends; and
WHEREAS, predeceased by his first wife, Jane, Bill Lechler will be fondly remembered by his wife, Nancy; his children, Lore, John, and Laura, and their families; and countless other family members, friends, and former colleagues; 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 William Mervin Lechler, a business and civic leader who provided exemplary service to the Commonwealth; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of William Mervin Lechler as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.
