A house RESOLUTION honoring the life and memory of don W. East, former member of the general assembly.
Whereas, Don W. East was born in Pilot Mountain, North Carolina, on December 26, 1944, to Ralph and Viola Hall East; and
Whereas, Don W. East graduated from East Surry High School in 1962 and furthered his education by taking classes at Forsyth Technical College; and
Whereas, Don W. East retired from the Winston‑Salem Police Department in 1984 after 20 years of service and owned a small farm; and
Whereas, Don W. East began his political career as a member of the Surry County Board of Commissioners from 1984 to 1992; and
Whereas, Don W. East served seven terms in the North Carolina General Assembly as a member of the Senate from 1995 to 2000 and from 2005 to 2012; and
Whereas, during his tenure, Senator East made significant contributions as a member of numerous committees, serving as cochair of Agriculture/Environment/Natural Resources and Appropriations on Natural and Economic Resources and as a member of Appropriations on Justice and Public Safety, Appropriations/Base Budget, Insurance, Judiciary II, Program Evaluation, State and Local Government, and Transportation; and
Whereas, Don W. East's community involvement included membership in the Ararat Long Hill Ruritan Club; and
Whereas, Don W. East died on October 22, 2012, at the age of 67; and
Whereas, Don W. East was married to the late Connie Needham East and is survived by his daughter Gina Southern and son‑in‑law Mickey Southern; two grandsons, Matthew Southern and Jacob Southern; one brother, R.J. East; and two sisters, Rachel Taylor and Shelby Tucker; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The North Carolina Senate honors the memory of Senator Don W. East and expresses appreciation for his life and service to the people of his community and this State.
SECTION 2.  The North Carolina Senate extends its heartfelt sympathy to the family of Don W. East for the loss of a beloved family member.
SECTION 3.  The Principal Clerk shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the family of Don W. East.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.