Bill Text: VA SJR65 | 2020 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of David L. King.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2020-01-20 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ65ER) [SJR65 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2020-SJR65-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, David L. King, a respected leader in the Albemarle County community and an award-winning vintner whose tireless advocacy helped Virginia's wine industry thrive and earn national prestige, died on May 2, 2019; and
WHEREAS, David King grew up in Texas, where he attended Abilene High School and earned a bachelor's degree from Trinity University and a law degree from the University of Houston; and
WHEREAS, in 1995, David King and his family relocated to Virginia and subsequently established Roseland Farm in Crozet; three years later, he was at the forefront of the Commonwealth's burgeoning wine industry when he opened King Family Vineyards; and
WHEREAS, under David King's able leadership, King Family Vineyards expanded to 31 acres and grew from producing 480 cases of wine per year to 10,000 cases of wine per year; the vineyard has earned multiple accolades, including the 2019 Monticello Cup for its 2016 Mountain Plains red blend; and
WHEREAS, David King played a pivotal role in the passage of the Virginia Farm Winery Act in 2007, and he was a trusted mentor to many other winemakers throughout the Commonwealth; he offered his leadership and expertise to the Virginia Wine Board as chair from 2007 to 2009 and 2013 to 2018; and
WHEREAS, David King was also a skilled pilot who offered the use of his helicopter during search and rescue operations and allowed first responders to train with search and rescue drones at the winery; he was sworn in as a reserve deputy of the Albemarle County Sheriff's Office in recognition of his unwavering support for the department; and
WHEREAS, David King touched countless lives through his passionate advocacy and unparalleled generosity; his legacy of excellence lives on in the many successful vineyards throughout the region and the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, David King will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of more than 40 years, Ellen; his sons, Carrington, Stuart, and James, and their families; and numerous other family members, friends, and 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 David L. King, a champion of the Virginia wine industry; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of David L. King as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.
