2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26109374D

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 326

Offered March 8, 2026

Celebrating the life of Andrew Thomas Olaisen.

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Patrons—Simonds and Hodges

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WHEREAS, Andrew Thomas Olaisen, an honorable veteran, longtime leader of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula, and a beloved member of the Virginia Peninsula community, died on January 25, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Andrew Thomas “Tom” Olaisen graduated from Newport News High School in 1953 and joined the staff at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula a year later; and

WHEREAS, Tom Olaisen served his country with honor and distinction as a member of the United States Army and was stationed in Germany from 1957 to 1959; and

WHEREAS, as a result of his leadership and professionalism, Tom Olaisen was promoted to executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula in 1965; and

WHEREAS, Tom Olaisen worked tirelessly for the benefit of young people until his retirement in 1996, overseeing the integration of the club in 1965 and the expansion of services to girls in 1991; and

WHEREAS, with a work ethic that would not fade in retirement, Tom Olaisen continued to serve as a consultant and special events coordinator for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula for 13 years and had more recently worked as an office manager for George's Realty; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his service, Tom Olaisen received many accolades, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Bronze Keystone Award, the Humanitarian Award from the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, and the Community Impact Award from the Peninsula Sports Club; and

WHEREAS, preceded in death by his loving wife, Alice, and his son, Andrew, Jr., Tom Olaisen will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his daughter, Tammy, and her family and by numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Andrew Thomas Olaisen, whose dedication and service made an impact on 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 Andrew Thomas Olaisen as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.