19941025 r-94-43RESOLUTION NO. R-94-43
MEMORIAL RESOLUTION HONORING JOHN CLINTON WOOD
WHEREAS, John Clinton Wood moved from New York to Virginia in
order to attend the University of Virginia, receiving a law degree
in 1943, and afterward chose to settle in the town of Fairfax and
practice law; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Wood served as mayor of the town of Fairfax and
under his direction, the town of Fairfax established its own water
supply at Goose Creek, an important step towards independence; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Wood was Instrumental in the granting of status
as an independent city to Fairfax in 1961, serving as its first
full-term mayor and through his leadership, set the city on the
successful course that it continues to enjoy today; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Wood led the effort to establish a branch of the
University of Virginia, now the independent and fast-growing George
Mason University, and to locate the new university next to the town
by offering the state the necessary land; and
WHEREAS, he maintained an interest in education and served as
the first Rector of George Mason College of the University of
Virginia and on the Virginia State Council of Higher Education, was
a member of the Virginia Bar Association for 50 years and a member
of the Society of Freemasons; and
WHEREAS, an active businessman here in the city, he not only
continued to practice law, but was a founder and director of George
Mason Bank, a director of EZ Communications and remained active in
local service clubs; and
WHEREAS, the list of Mr. Wood's achievements both as a lawyer
and businessman are legion; including and especially, his public
service to his town and city; and
WHEREAS, despite the onset of blindness that many of us would
consider a handicap, Mr. Wood was undeterred and remains an
inspiration to us all; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Wood chose his final resting place here in the
City of Fairfax, a city he helped create with his strong
leadership. He proved that one does not need the gift of sight to
have great vision.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Council
note with sadness the passing of a great community leader Mr. John
Clinton Wood; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be
presented to the family of John Clinton Wood in recognition of his
service to the City of Fairfax.
ADOPTED this 25th
day of October, 1994.