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Introduced Version House Resolution 101 History

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HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 101

(By Mr. Speaker, Mr. Thompson, and Delegates Armstead,

Frazier, Porter, Shott, and all other members of the House)



Celebrating the life and lamenting the passing of the Honorable Donald Thomas Caruth, attorney, musician, civic leader, former member of the West Virginia House of Delegates, member of the West Virginia Senate, Minority Leader of the Senate, Distinguished West Virginian, and dedicated statesman.

     Whereas, On Saturday, the first day of May, 2010, the State of West Virginia and the West Virginia Legislature suffered the untimely loss of an outstanding public servant with the passing of the Honorable Donald T. Caruth; and
     Whereas, Donald Thomas Caruth was born on May 23, 1950, in Princeton, Mercer County, West Virginia, the son of the late William B. and Elizabeth S. Caruth. Don grew up in Athens and was a graduate of Athens High School. He received his B.A. from Concord College and his J.D. from the West Virginia University College of Law; and
     Whereas, Donald T. Caruth was an accomplished attorney in Mercer County, and he was a member of the West Virginia State Bar and the Mercer County Bar Association. He also served as the Athens Town Attorney; and
     Whereas, Don was married to the love of his life, Laura Ann, and was the proud father of five daughters, Maria, Andrea, Christie, Allison and Madison; and
     Whereas, Don had a life-long passion for music, especially jazz music, and he was a talented trombone player. He played with the Bluefield State College Jazz Ensemble and played in a jazz band named the "Concord Commanders" while a student at Concord College. He also played in a top 40's band, the "Kaleidoscope"; and
     Whereas, Don Caruth was a special individual who had a great desire to help others. His compassion and concern for the welfare of the citizens of Mercer County and West Virginia inspired him to run for public office in 2002. That year, he was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates and was elected to the West Virginia Senate in 2004 and 2008. In 2007 and again in 2009, Don's Republican colleagues elected him as Minority Leader of the Senate. During his eight years in the Legislature, Don was responsible for a myriad of worthwhile legislation to benefit all West Virginians, not the least of which was the reformation of workers' compensation; and
Whereas, Don Caruth truly loved the Legislature and the legislative process. He never chastised or criticized a legislator for an opposition position, and he was willing to work with any member regardless of political affiliation to find solutions to the problems confronting our State. "Statesman" is defined as "one who exercises political leadership wisely without narrow partisanship." Don Caruth was a statesman. Always considerate and ever mindful of the needs of others, Don Caruth was respected and liked by everyone; and
     Whereas, In addition to his public service, Don Caruth was a dedicated member of Concord United Methodist Church, where he served as Chairman of the Church Council. Don served his community with pride and distinction as a member of numerous civic minded organizations, including the New River Parkway Authority, Board of Directors of the Athens Volunteer Fire Department, the Athens Medical Center, and the Children's Home Society of West Virginia. He was a former Adjunct Professor at Concord College and Bluefield State College and served as a Regional Supervisor for Veteran's Education and Training; and
     Whereas, Throughout his life, Donald T. Caruth touched and enriched many lives, and those who had the opportunity to know and work with him were truly fortunate. He devoted many hours to serving his constituents, his district, his state and its citizens and it is most fitting that we honor his memory, therefore, be it
     Resolved by the House of Delegates of the West Virginia Legislature:
     That deepest regret and sorrow are hereby expressed by the members of this body at the passing of the Honorable Donald Thomas Caruth, attorney, musician, civic leader, former member of the West Virginia House of Delegates, member of the West Virginia Senate, Minority Leader of the Senate, Distinguished West Virginian, and dedicated statesman; and, be it
     Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates forward a copy of this resolution to the family of the Honorable Donald T. Caruth.
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