HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 780 Offered January 19, 2007 Celebrating the life of Daniel E. McKeever. ---------- Patrons-- Scott, J.M. and Hull; Senator: Whipple ----------

WHEREAS, Daniel E. McKeever, respected citizen and city manager of Falls Church for six years, died on July 25, 2006; and

WHEREAS, Dan McKeever was born in Pittsburgh, graduated from East Tennessee State University with a bachelor's degree in sociology, and earned a master's degree in urban affairs from Virginia Tech; and

WHEREAS, in 1981, Dan McKeever began his career in public service with the Roanoke Police Department as a patrol officer and criminal investigator, attaining the rank of lieutenant; and

WHEREAS, before his appointment as city manager for Falls Church in June 2000, Dan McKeever also served as the chief of police, interim town manager, and then town manager of Pulaski, as well as the city manager of Laconia, New Hampshire; and  

WHEREAS, Dan McKeever possessed an extraordinary ability to work well with his fellow citizens, as well as city and regional organizations, to address the many issues concerning the City of Falls Church; and

WHEREAS, an inspiration to his colleagues and staff, Dan McKeever was well-known for his sound leadership and his strong beliefs in the importance of teamwork and empowerment of city employees; and

WHEREAS, Dan McKeever was committed to operating an efficient city government, reinvesting in public facilities, improving city schools, providing affordable housing, and enhancing the quality of life of all of the residents of Falls Church; and

WHEREAS, Dan McKeever was a strong advocate for public safety, the police department, emergency management through the establishment of an Emergency Operations Center, and city beautification projects; and

WHEREAS, under Dan McKeever's visionary leadership, the city realized an unprecedented period of economic growth and development, and after decades of discussion, he was instrumental in the implementation of the City Center project that will change the face of Falls Church's commercial core for the future; and

WHEREAS, an experienced and sagacious administrator,  Dan McKeever made Falls Church a far better city in which to live, work, and conduct business; and

 WHEREAS, Dan McKeever will be fondly remembered for his conscientious and compassionate nature and sorely missed by his devoted wife, Cynthia Gannaway, and other loving family members; his countless friends and colleagues; and the citizens of the City of Falls Church; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly mourn the passing of an outstanding public servant and fine Virginian, Daniel E. McKeever; 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 Daniel E. McKeever as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.