WHEREAS, Donald Douglas Litten, a distinguished attorney who took an active role in civic and community affairs in the central Shenandoah Valley, died on July 10, 2011; and

WHEREAS, a native of Shenandoah County, Don Litten graduated from New Market High School and, after proudly serving his country in the United States Navy onboard a destroyer in the South Pacific, returned to the area; and

WHEREAS, Don Litten attended Madison College, now James Madison University, but left his formal studies to help support his family; and

WHEREAS, determined to advance himself and gain an education, Don Litton studied the law under attorney George D. Conrad and after passing the Virginia State Bar in 1963, joined his mentor as a full partner; and

WHEREAS, a dedicated attorney, Don Litten practiced law for over 50 years, earning the respect of the legal community, representing his clients with great diligence, and mentoring young lawyers; and

WHEREAS, Don Litten provided invaluable counsel to area localities, playing a pivotal role in the formation of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Regional Sewer Authority and serving as its counsel for 40 years; representing the Town of Dayton and Shenandoah County at various times; and advising the Town of Bridgewater for 50 years as its attorney; and

WHEREAS, Don Litten provided wise insight and guidance as a member of the board of directors of numerous area organizations and helped found one of the area's premier tourist attractions, Massanutten Resort; and

WHEREAS, in his free time, Don Litten devotedly supported James Madison University sports teams, the Redskins, and the Yankees and enjoyed sharing the results of his labors in the garden with friends and family; and

WHEREAS, a devoted family man who was predeceased by his wife, Frances, Don Litten will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his children, Ann, Donald, Jr., and Jonathan, and their families and numerous other family members, friends, and admirers; 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 a distinguished attorney and community supporter, Donald Douglas Litten; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Donald Douglas Litten as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.