2026 SPECIAL SESSION I

ENROLLED

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 2041

Celebrating the life of Robert Gordon Barton, Jr.

Agreed to by the Senate, June 22, 2026

WHEREAS, Robert Gordon Barton, Jr., a passionate coach and educator in Nelson County and a supportive husband, father, grandfather, and friend, died on May 31, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Robert Barton, affectionately known by family and friends as “Skip” or “Bip,” grew up in New Jersey and was a star basketball player in high school; he continued his education at Colgate University, then transferred to Bloomfield College, where he was recognized as an all-conference defensive player in basketball; and

WHEREAS, after one year, Robert Barton returned to Colgate University and cultivated a lifelong love of reading, learning, and debate, all of which influenced his decision to pursue a career in education; and

WHEREAS, in 1979, Robert Barton settled in Nelson County with his young family and became deeply involved in community life for the next 47 years; and

WHEREAS, at Nelson County High School, Robert Barton taught history, humanities, economics, and an African American studies course for which he was particularly renowned; the course began with the civil rights movement and worked backwards toward slavery, challenging generations of students to not only engage critically with the nation's history, but find ways to learn from one another and forge relationships built on mutual respect; and

WHEREAS, Robert Barton also coached Nelson County High School's basketball and baseball teams; he led the 1982 baseball team, which finished as runner-up in the state championship, and was subsequently inducted into the Nelson County High School Athletics Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, desirous to be of further service to the community, Robert Barton ran for a seat on the Nelson County Board of Supervisors and represented the South District for one term beginning in 2020; and

WHEREAS, Robert Barton's greatest joy in life was his beloved family; he cared diligently for his wife, Barbara, during her eight-year struggle with dementia, and he relished every opportunity to share his passion for sports, especially the Baltimore Orioles, with his daughter and grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by his wife, Barbara, Robert Barton will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his daughter, Holly, 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 Robert Gordon Barton, Jr., an inspirational educator in Nelson County; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Robert Gordon Barton, Jr., as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for his memory.