Title
Memorial Proclamation recognizing the lifetime of dedication and achievement by former Pennsylvania Speaker of the House K. Leroy Irvis.
Body
WHEREAS, Allegheny County has been home to individuals such as K. Leroy Irvis, who have dedicated their lives to enhancing the quality of life in our community, the nation, and worldwide; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Irvis, through a life of public service, came to embody faith in the concepts of responsive, humane, and responsible governance for generations of residents of the Commonwealth by championing bills promoting civil rights, fair housing, education, public health, highway safety, and modernization of the penal code; and
WHEREAS, although our community grieves at the passing of an individual who so completely personified compassion and community spirit, we know that he will always be remembered in Allegheny County and throughout the Commonwealth, and we join with his family in giving thanks for the life of K. Leroy Irvis, the first African-American to serve as Speaker of the House in any state legislature, the father of Pennsylvania's Community Colleges, and one of the most admired and respected Pennsylvanians we have encountered;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Allegheny County Council does hereby recognize K. Leroy Irvis for his impact on this community and its citizens. Mr. Irvis' commitment to public service and inspired statesmanship serve as inspirations to us all and, while we cannot hope to replace him, we can honor his memory by commending and emulating the spirit of his dedication.