2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26102820D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 96

Offered January 27, 2026

Celebrating the life of Robert Bernard Keyser, Jr.

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Patrons—Kent, Austin, Ballard, Bloxom, Cherry, Cornett, Davis, Fowler, Garrett, Griffin, Hamilton, Hodges, Kilgore, Leftwich, McNamara, Morefield, O'Quinn, Pence, Phillips, Runion, Tata, Webert, Wilt, Wyatt and Zehr; Senators: McDougle and Pillion

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WHEREAS, Robert Bernard Keyser, Jr., a respected computer analyst and programmer, dedicated firefighter, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and cherished member of the Kilmarnock community, died on October 7, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Robert “Buddy” Bernard Keyser, Jr., was a member of the Class of 1969 at Lancaster High School, where he excelled in baseball, track, and football, and he later graduated from the Lear Siegler Institute; and

WHEREAS, Buddy Keyser devoted 38 years to the former West Point Paper Mill and Chesapeake Corporation as a computer analyst and programmer, demonstrating exceptional professionalism and a commitment to excellence in all of his endeavors; and

WHEREAS, for more than a half-century, Buddy Keyser was an active member of the Kilmarnock Volunteer Fire Department (KVFD), which he supported in various capacities over the years, including as an engineer, training officer, lieutenant, captain, assistant treasurer, treasurer, vice president, and president; and

WHEREAS, Buddy Keyser's passion for service led him to give generously of his time to the KVFD's annual carnival fundraiser for more than 60 years, supporting a time-honored local tradition that is integral to the fire department's success; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his service on behalf of the KVFD and the Kilmarnock community, Buddy Keyser was recently named the inaugural recipient of the Robert B. Keyser, Jr. Carnival Appreciation Award, which will honor his legacy for years to come; and

WHEREAS, guided by his faith, Buddy Keyser enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community as a lifelong member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Lancaster; and

WHEREAS, preceded in death by his wife, Joyce, Buddy will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving children, Bryan, Kimberly, and Jennifer, and their families 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 Bernard Keyser, Jr., a revered member of the Kilmarnock community whose kindness, generosity, and integrity inspired all who knew him; 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 Bernard Keyser, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.