2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25105573D

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 249

Offered February 11, 2025

Celebrating the life of William Francis Sibert.

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Patrons—Head and Deeds

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WHEREAS, William Francis Sibert, an esteemed engineer and builder, accomplished businessman, beloved husband and father, and active and engaged member of the Staunton community, died on January 16, 2025; and

WHEREAS, born in Norfolk and raised in Craigsville, William “Bill” Sibert graduated from Wilson Memorial High School in Fishersville, where he played trumpet and trombone in the school band and the piano with the Rhythm Kings dance band; and

WHEREAS, Bill Sibert embarked upon his professional career in June 1961 on a survey party with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) in Staunton, then later became an inspector and transferred to the VDOT central office in Richmond in 1967; and

WHEREAS, ten years later, Bill Sibert joined Moore Brothers Company, a general contracting firm in Verona, as its chief engineer and rose through the ranks to ultimately serve as its president from 1999 until his retirement in 2007; and

WHEREAS, Bill Sibert supported his industry by serving on the board of what was formerly the Virginia Road and Transportation Builders Association from 1990 to 1999, including a term as president in 1996, and by working as an arbitrator in his retirement; and

WHEREAS, Bill Sibert devoted himself to the growth and development of young people and the well-being of his community as a member of the board of the Community Child Care Center in Staunton from 1983 to 1986, the Staunton City School Board from 1987 to 1993, including a tenure as chair from 1989 to 1993, the Staunton-Augusta YMCA Board of Trustees beginning in October 1997, and the Rotary Club of Staunton, where he was a Paul Harris Fellow; and

WHEREAS, Bill Sibert advanced cultural and preservation efforts in his community as a founding member of the Frontier Culture Museum, where he served on the board of trustees, as a member of the Historic Staunton Foundation, and by renovating multiple properties in the area; and

WHEREAS, Bill Sibert gave generously of his time and resources over the years to support the American Shakespeare Center, the Augusta County Historical Society, the Hospice of the Shenandoah, United Way, the R. R. Smith Center for History and Art, ShenanArts, Staunton's Jazz in the Park concert series, the Heifetz International Music Institute, the Staunton Public Library, Weekday Religious Education, and Habitat for Humanity; and

WHEREAS, guided throughout his life by his faith, Bill Sibert enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community at Olivet Presbyterian Church in Staunton, where he served as a deacon and an elder, taught Sunday school classes, and sang in the choir; and

WHEREAS, Bill Sibert will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife of 63 years, Mary Sandra; his daughter, Sharon, and her family; 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 William Francis Sibert, a treasured member of the Staunton community whose dedication and legacy of service inspired all who knew him; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of William Francis Sibert as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for his memory.