Bill Text: VA SR124 | 2017 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of David A. Kaechele.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2017-02-09 - Bill text as passed Senate (SR124ER) [SR124 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2017-SR124-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, David A. Kaechele, a tireless public servant who made many lasting contributions to the residents of Henrico County as a member of the Board of Supervisors for more than 35 years, died on January 20, 2017; and
WHEREAS, a native of Allegan, Michigan, David Kaechele graduated from Michigan State University and honorably served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Korean War; he settled in Henrico County in the 1960s and pursued a 30-year career with the Reynolds Metals Company; and
WHEREAS, desirous to be of further service to the community, David Kaechele ran for and was elected to the Henrico County Board of Supervisors and took office as the representative for the Three Chopt District in 1980; and
WHEREAS, respected for his even-tempered leadership and ability to foster cooperation, David Kaechele was elected chair nine times, and he ably represented the county before other local, regional, and state boards and commissions, including the Virginia Association of Counties and the National Association of Counties; and
WHEREAS, David Kaechele was the only member of the Henrico County Board of Supervisors to have won election to nine consecutive terms, and in 2015, he retired as the longest-serving member of the board on record; and
WHEREAS, during David Kaechele's long tenure on the Henrico County Board of Supervisors, the population of Henrico County nearly doubled, and he deftly balanced the needs of all county residents, ensuring a high quality of life through responsible growth and development; and
WHEREAS, David Kaechele oversaw significant commercial and residential development in Henrico County, including the creation of Wyndham, Innsbrook, West Broad Village, and Short Pump; the county is now home to nationally recognized schools, thriving businesses, state-of-the-art libraries, beautiful parks, and top-rated restaurants, in addition to being a wonderful place to live and raise a family; and
WHEREAS, David Kaechele's background as an engineer helped him to advise his fellow members of county government on the infrastructure necessary to help Henrico County thrive and prosper; he worked to keep tax rates low while maintaining high levels of service and helped Henrico County earn a AAA bond rating from all three national bond-rating agencies; and
WHEREAS, a man who lived his faith through his actions, David Kaechele enjoyed fellowship and worship with Tuckahoe Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder, deacon, and treasurer; and
WHEREAS, David Kaechele earned numerous awards and accolades for his leadership and service; he was inducted into the Richmond Times-Dispatch Hall of Fame with the Hall's inaugural class in 2015; and
WHEREAS, predeceased by his wife, Marilyn, David Kaechele will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his daughters, Karen and Kathy, and their families; his longtime companion, Erna van den Nieuwenhuizen; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of David A. Kaechele, a respected public servant and a pillar of the Henrico community; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of David A. Kaechele as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for his memory.
