By Delegates Williams and Collins:
H. R. 8--"Commemorating the passing of Ralph N. Brown, former Delegate, community leader and businessman."
Whereas, Preston County native Ralph N. Brown passed away at the age of 81 on February 11, 1997. Ralph Brown began his life on May 13, 1915, and entered into his love of Democratic politics in Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidential 1936 campaign. He went on to serve as the chair of the Preston County Democratic Executive Committee, and the committee named him Democrat of the Year in 1988. He also served as Preston County's sheriff from 1961 to 1965. He served three terms in the House of Delegates, being elected in 1974, 1976 and 1978; and
Whereas, Ralph Brown was a farmer his entire life, raising purebred Angus cattle, and also owned and operated Brown's Esso Service Station, Arthurdale, from 1950 to 1964. He retired from the Alcohol Beverage Control Commission in 1984; and
Whereas, Ralph Brown was a member of Arthurdale Presbyterian Church; Master Mason of Preston Lodge 90; Sons of the Revolution; Knights of Pythias Brown Lodge 32; Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, 18th and 32nd degrees; Shriner of Osiris Temple; Preston County Historical Society; Arthurdale Cemetery Association; Arthurdale Heritage; and a founding member of Appalachian Paso Fino Horse Club; and
Whereas, Ralph Brown was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eleanor Virginia Collins Brown, and is survived by his four sons, Ronald, Gary, John and Norman, and by his three daughters, Patricia, Judith and Cynthia; therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Delegates:
That regret and sympathy is expressed by the members of the House of Delegates to the family of Ralph Brown, devoted husband and father, trusted friend and colleague; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House is hereby directed to forward a copy of this memorial resolution to the sons and daughters of Mr. Ralph Brown.