WHEREAS, Roy A. West, a respected educator and the second African American mayor of Richmond, died on May 25, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Roy West grew up in the Washington Park neighborhood of Richmond; he worked as a barber, served his country as a member of the United States Army, and was inspired by his humble upbringing to support young people through Richmond Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, Roy West served as a teacher at Armstrong High School, principal of John Marshall High School and Albert Hill Middle School, and director of food services for Richmond Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, desirous to be of further service to the residents of Richmond, Roy West ran for Richmond City Council in 1982, defeating a three-term incumbent, and was elected by his fellow councilmembers as mayor soon after taking office; and

WHEREAS, Roy West served as mayor until 1988 and remained a member of City Council until 1994; among his many achievements, he supported the creation of the 6th Street Marketplace, advocated for greater participation by minority-owned businesses in city projects, and worked to strengthen Richmond Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by his wife, Helen, Roy West will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his children, Mahlone and Debra, and their families, 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 Roy A. West, a dedicated educator and public servant who made many contributions to the Richmond community; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Roy A. West as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for his memory.