GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1997

H	1 

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 398

–––––––––––––––––––- 
Sponsors: Representatives Hiatt, Gamble; Ramsey, G. Wilson, and Baker.

–––––––––––––––––––- 
Referred to:  Rules, Calendar and Operations of the House.

–––––––––––––––––––- 

March 5, 1997

A JOINT RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF BASIL DUKE BARR, FORMER MEMBER OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
Whereas, Basil Duke Barr was born on November 4, 1894, in Jefferson, North Carolina, to Felix Barr and Blanche Duke Barr; and
Whereas, Basil Duke Barr graduated from Jefferson High School in 1917, and North Carolina State University in 1921, where he received a degree in engineering; and
Whereas, Basil Duke Barr married Mabel Phillips in 1922, and from their union, three children were born; and
Whereas, Basil Duke Barr proudly served his county as a member of the United States Army, serving in both World Wars; and
Whereas, Basil Duke Barr was a skilled and well-known engineer, spending most of his professional career in Alaska; and
Whereas, while in Alaska, Basil Duke Barr was an avid sportsman and big game hunter and wrote several books on big game hunting; and
Whereas, Basil Duke Barr retired as a Lt. Colonel from the Corps of Engineers in 1954; and
Whereas, upon his return to North Carolina, Basil Duke Barr opened a custom furniture shop in Jefferson, which became one of the most well-known furniture shops in North Carolina; and
Whereas, Basil Duke Barr was a skilled cabinetmaker much in demand and his furniture was used in many fine homes throughout the South; and
Whereas, Basil Duke Barr served with honor and distinction in the House of Representatives during the 1965, 1967, and 1969 Sessions of the General Assembly; and
Whereas, Basil Duke Barr worked unselfishly for the betterment of his community as a member of many civic and fraternal organizations including the Masonic Order and the American Legion; and
Whereas, Basil Duke Barr constructed the first hydroelectric dam on the New River in Ashe County and designed and built the first stone school in Ashe County; and
Whereas, Basil Duke Barr was active in the Baptist Church; and
Whereas, Basil Duke Barr died on February 3, 1997, and leaves children, other relatives, and friends to mourn; and
Whereas, Basil Duke Barr will be remembered for his keen mind and gentle personality that reflected mountain qualities and mountain intellect; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
Section 1. The General Assembly expresses its deep appreciation for the life of Basil Duke Barr and for the great service he rendered to the Nation, the State of North Carolina, and his community.
Section 2.  The General Assembly extends its deepest sympathy to the family of Basil Duke Barr for the loss of its distinguished member.
Section 3.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the family of Basil Duke Barr.
Section 4.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.