Bill Text: VA HJR508 | 2011 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of William Michael Pandak.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2011-01-21 - House: Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ508ER) [HJR508 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2011-HJR508-Enrolled.html
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WHEREAS, William Michael Pandak, a beloved basketball coach from Staunton who inspired countless youth, died on August 19, 2010; and WHEREAS, William "Bill" Pandak was born on August 4, 1925, in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, to Stephen Pandak and Katherine Stefanac Pandak, who had immigrated to the United States from Austria-Hungary (now Croatia); and WHEREAS, a talented musician, Bill Pandak trained as a concert violinist but found his true calling, the love of basketball, after playing in high school; and WHEREAS, Bill Pandak attended the University of Pittsburgh where he was on the basketball team, but as hostilities in Europe increased and World War II loomed, he decided to join the United States Navy and attended Bethany College before leaving for active service; and WHEREAS, it was at Bethany College that Bill Pandak met the love of his life, Violet Karavanic, with whom he shared over 40 years of marriage until her death in 1995; and WHEREAS, after his service in the military, Bill Pandak played basketball at the University of Virginia, where he finished his bachelor's degree; after moving to Staunton in 1953, he began his long and successful coaching career at Staunton Military Academy; and WHEREAS, an inspiring coach who truly loved the game, Bill Pandak coached Staunton Military Academy basketball teams to numerous championships and also served as Athletic Director; he was recruited to coach pro and college teams, but decided to stay in Staunton to raise his family; and WHEREAS, respected by his colleagues for his knowledge and leadership, Bill Pandak refereed high school basketball games across Virginia and spoke at national basketball camps; and WHEREAS, after Staunton Military Academy closed, Bill Pandak taught and coached at Riverheads High School, where he helped the Gladiators win several championships and continued to inspire his students and athletes to excellence; and WHEREAS, Bill Pandak ended his career at Beverly Manor Elementary School, where he created the tradition of World Health Day; he also continued to work with local youth following his retirement; and WHEREAS, Bill Pandak generously gave of his time and talents in the community as a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church, Staunton Elks Lodge, and Croatian Fraternal Union Conway Lodge 540; and WHEREAS, a devoted family man, Bill Pandak and his wife Violet shared many decades together and their family was their pride and joy; and WHEREAS, Bill Pandak will be greatly missed by his children Sharon, Michael, Hilary, and Valerie and their families, and those he touched during a long and rewarding life; 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 a beloved coach and outstanding Virginian, William Michael Pandak; 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 William Michael Pandak as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory. |
