2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25104105D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 585

Offered February 3, 2025

Celebrating the life of Mark Spain.

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Patrons—Walker; Senator: Peake

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WHEREAS, Mark Spain, a devoted community leader and a trusted journalist who was a familiar face in the Lynchburg area as an anchor on ABC13 WSET-TV, died on December 18, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Mark Spain grew up in Ohio and began his career in journalism by delivering newspapers; after graduating from Cleveland State University, he worked in newsrooms in Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Florida before settling in Lynchburg in 2015 and joining WSET-TV as a lead anchor for evening and late shows; and

WHEREAS, over the course of his career, Mark Spain interviewed leading officials at the local, state, and national levels, and tackled a wide-range of hard-hitting issues to keep the public well informed; he was an invaluable mentor to dozens of young journalists at the station, imparting to them his commitment to excellence and determination; and

WHEREAS, Mark Spain received first place awards for Outstanding News Series and Best Documentary or Public Affairs Program from the Virginia Association of Broadcasters; over the course of his career, he earned many other accolades, including Emmy Awards, Edward R. Murrow Regional Awards, and recognition from the Associated Press and the Society of Professional Journalism; and

WHEREAS, Mark Spain relished every chance to give back to the community and demonstrated his generous spirit by supporting organizations like Mustaches for Kids Lynchburg, Jubilee Family Development Center, the Salvation Army, and Big Brothers Big Sisters; and

WHEREAS, after revealing his cancer diagnosis in early December 2024, Mark Spain inspired WSET-TV viewers by maintaining his trademark optimism; he was a consummate professional, whose joy, compassion, and unwavering strength of character touched the lives of everyone who knew him; and

WHEREAS, Mark Spain will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife Lynita; his children, Jenna, Lindsay, and Max; and numerous other family members, friends, and colleagues; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Mark Spain, an accomplished journalist and a distinguished member of the Lynchburg community; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Mark Spain as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.