Virginia SR 87: Celebrating the life of Patrick Albert Lewis.

Bill Text

2024SESSION
ENROLLED
SENATERESOLUTIONNO.87
Celebrating the life of Patrick Albert Lewis.
AgreedtobytheSenate,February29,2024
WHEREAS, Patrick Albert Lewis, who served his home country of Antigua and Barbuda with
distinction as a government official and a diplomat for many years before settling in Hampton, died on
January 5, 2024; and
WHEREAS, Patrick Lewis was born in St. John's, Antigua, and received a bachelor's degree from
what is now Hampton University in 1966; he continued his education at the University of Cincinnati,
where he earned a master's degree in 1968 and a doctorate in 1974; and
WHEREAS, Patrick Lewis relished every opportunity to share his passion for history and
government with others and served as an assistant professor of history at the University of Cincinnati
while he was conducting his postgraduate work, then worked as a professor of history at Hampton
University for more than a decade; and
WHEREAS, in 1984, Patrick Lewis was called home to Antigua and Barbuda to serve as an advisor
to the deputy prime minister; he was later selected as Antigua and Barbuda's ambassador to the United
States and the Organization of American States from 1991 to 1995, then became the country's permanent
representative to the United Nations from 1995 to 2004; and
WHEREAS, over the course of his diplomatic career, Patrick Lewis was an advocate for the full
participation of smaller countries in international affairs, exemplified by his role as vice chair of the
Special Committee on Hemispheric Security of the Organization of American States; and
WHEREAS, Patrick Lewis returned to Hampton University in 2005 and used his experiences to
enrich the learning process as the chair of the Department of History and Political Science; he retired as
professor emeritus in 2013; and
WHEREAS, Patrick Lewis supported people in need by donating to many worthy charitable
organizations and causes, including Doctors Without Borders, UNICEF, and childhood cancer research;
and
WHEREAS, Patrick Lewis was a devout Christian who was raised in the Moravian Church and
enjoyed fellowship and worship with the Hampton community at Fox Hill Baptist Church for many
years; and
WHEREAS, aside from his career and community service, Patrick Lewis was fond of traveling and
experiencing new cultures and cuisine, and he was a lifelong fan of cricket, which he played in his
youth; and
WHEREAS, predeceased by his daughter Zahlia, Patrick Lewis will be fondly remembered and
greatly missed by his wife, Michele; his children, Pascal and Danielle, and their families; and numerous
other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Patrick Albert
Lewis, a diplomat, educator, and respected member of the Hampton community; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for
presentation to the family of Patrick Albert Lewis as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect
for his memory.
ENROLLED
SR87ER