In memorian

 

Goochland supervisors began their October 4 meeting by paying tribute to District 4 Supervisor Hon. Don Sharpe, who passed away suddenly last month. A simple spray of white flowers marked his empty chair and the void in county leadership.

First elected to the board in 2019, Sharpe was chosen board vice chair by his fellow supervisors in January 2022. Sharpe was active in a wide range of community organizations, including the Recreation Advisory Commission, Leadership Enterprise Board, Friends of Goochland Parks, and Goochland Rotary. He also served as an officer of elections, working polling places.

While on the Board, Sharpe participated in continuity of government operations during the pandemic, purchase of land for a District 2 fire-rescue station, and broadband expansion initiatives. He represented Goochland on the Capital Region Workforce Project and as a Plan RVA Commissioner.

The Hon. Don Sharpe

Board chair Neil Spoonhower, District 2, said that he was blessed to have a public platform to express the emptiness represented by Sharpe’s absence. “Until you hold a position like this, it’s real easy to put your heart and soul into this, Don did just that.”  Even as he battled his final illness, he was concerned about fulfilling his commitment to the community, said Spoonhower, who thanked Sharpe’s family for sharing him the county.

Susan Lascolette, District 1 observed that, the supervisors work together to represent the entire county to look out for the best interests of everyone. Sharpe was willing to talk to anyone and work to broker mutually acceptable solutions. “My heart goes out to his wife Carolyn and his family. We really are going to miss him.”

John Lumpkins, District 3 echoed previous sentiments. “Don was part of the team. This community is well represented as different as we are, we have to pinch ourselves at how well we respect one another. He didn’t mail it in. His big concern was that he needed to be there and do things. His passing was sad and stunning and heartbreaking. He served the county and this group very well. We will miss him dearly.”

Ken Peterson, District 5 said that the community has lost a true leader, the board a valued colleague, and personally, a dear friend. “I am grateful that our paths had the opportunity to cross. I will have the cherished memories of working with Supervisor Sharpe.”

Spoonhower said “we are left with a new reality, but we must soldier on and conduct the business of the community. Don would want it that way. He loved talking with people and would want everyone to attend the upcoming town hall meetings.”

Other expressions of sadness at Sharpe’s passing and gratitude for his community service were expressed by presenters during the meeting.

A memorial service will be held for Sharpe at 2 p.m. on October 15 at Ragland Memorial Church. The service will be live streamed on the church’s YouTube channel for those unable to attend in person. Go to http://www.raglandbaptist.org/ and scroll down to YouTube.