2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25105740D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 609

Offered February 6, 2025

Celebrating the life of Robert Carl Gibbons.

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Patrons—Milde; Senator: Durant

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WHEREAS, Robert Carl Gibbons, an honorable veteran, esteemed public servant, and beloved member of the Stafford County community, died on January 17, 2025; and

WHEREAS, born in Holden, Massachusetts, Robert “Bob” Carl Gibbons enlisted with the United States Air Force at the age of 18 and went on to serve his country with honor and distinction for more than two decades at various locations, including England, Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, and the Pentagon; and

WHEREAS, following his retirement from active duty service in 1975, Bob Gibbons continued to serve the military in his capacity as a contractor; he then transitioned to the Marine Corps Network Operations and Security Center in the early 2000s, where he supported the United States Marine Corps' computer and telecommunications operations until his retirement from civilian service in April 2023; and

WHEREAS, Bob Gibbons was an enterprising businessman who founded the bus company Tara Lines, providing exceptional commuter services to residents and visitors in the Fredericksburg and Stafford County areas; and

WHEREAS, Bob Gibbons served as the Rock Hill District representative on the Stafford County Board of Supervisors for 16 years, including multiple terms as chair and vice chair, and was a steadfast advocate for new schools, improved transportation, and other vital public services that increased the quality of life for Stafford County residents; and

WHEREAS, Bob Gibbons worked tirelessly to foster the growth and development of his community as a member of the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission, the Stafford County Planning Commission, and the Stafford County Board of Zoning Appeals; and

WHEREAS, Bob Gibbons made an impact statewide as a board member and chair of the Virginia Railway Express (VRE), where he was integral to several major regional development projects; and

WHEREAS, preceded in death by his wife, Lois, Bob Gibbons will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his daughter, Tara, and her family and by numerous other family members and friends; 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 Robert Carl Gibbons, a distinguished member of the Stafford County community whose dedication to service, family, and the well-being of others touched countless lives; 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 Robert Carl Gibbons as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.