SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 310 Offered January 10, 2007 Prefiled October 30, 2006 Celebrating the life of Robert H. Armstrong. ---------- Patron-- Miller ----------

WHEREAS, Robert H. Armstrong of Norfolk and formerly of Richmond, a respected citizen and tireless advocate for persons with mental illness and mental health issues, died on April 28, 2006; and

WHEREAS, Robert Armstrong met Mildred, his childhood sweetheart, when he was 14 and she was 12, and the couple married and lived a full life together for 68 years; and

WHEREAS, a hard worker with strong family values, Robert Armstrong retired from a career with Litton Industries after over 30 years of exemplary service; and

WHEREAS, Robert and Millie Armstrong were passionately devoted to caring for their special adopted daughter Jeannie, who survived meningitis in her teens only to be plagued with severe mental health issues in her adult life; and

WHEREAS, because of their noble fight for Jeannie's right to receive proper and adequate care, the Armstrongs were also inspirational advocates for all persons with mental illness and mental health disorders; and

WHEREAS, Robert Armstrong was instrumental in the founding of a Norfolk chapter of the Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), as well as served as the chair of the Mental Health Association and the president of the Norfolk NAMI for more than 25 years; and

WHEREAS, Robert Armstrong also gave his time and immense talents as a member of the Norfolk Community Board of Mental Health, the Eastern State Advisory Board for the Mentally Ill, and the Norfolk Community Services Board; and

WHEREAS, Robert Armstrong was a faithful member of Christ United Methodist Church in Norfolk and active in the church's many missions and community activities; and

WHEREAS, Robert Armstrong will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his family, his numerous friends and admirers, and the countless people he has inspired, aided, and encouraged over the years; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly mourn the passing of an outstanding advocate for persons in need in the Commonwealth and a fine Virginia gentleman, Robert H. Armstrong; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Robert H. Armstrong as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for hismemory.