CHARLESTON, W.Va. — One of the most familiar faces around the well of the State Capitol during the legislative session is missing today. Jan Vineyard, President of the West Virginia Oil Marketers and Grocers Association died Tuesday evening.
She was surrounded by friends and family and died peacefully according to the organization. Vineyard was a native of Nitro and
previously worked in the petroleum industry before transitioning into the role which she relished in advocacy for the various industries she represented.
“Jan left a legacy that all of us no doubt will remember,” said Brian Waugh, Vice-Chairman of the OMEGA Board. “She was one person that would listen no matter what. I think that’s the thing moving forward that’s going to be missed the most.”
Tributes poured into social media lauding Vineyard as a wonderful friend, tireless advocate for her organizations, and a person who could get things done. She was passionate about the organizations she represented and often could see things well ahead of the curve and help those she worked for adapt.
The greatest example may have been in 1996, when Vineyard could see the era of the filling station evolving into a marriage with carry out markets. She could tell the petroleum and grocery industries were headed toward the same destination and helped merge the organizations representing both industries. She was president of each of them at the time.
“One thing about Jan, whenever she saw something was headed one way, she made sure all of us were on board to see her vision,” Waugh explained.
Through the years following the creation of OMEGA, she also collected the West Virginia Motor Carriers Association, the West Virginia Wholesalers Association, and the Independent Insurance Agents of West Virginia under a large umbrella.
“She was a tireless friend and champion for all of us,” said Waugh.
Vineyard started having health problems nearly a year ago, and was eventually diagnosed with ALS. Complications continued to set in and impact her health in recent months, but friends and colleagues say she refused to give in to her ailments.
“She was still active with us,” Waugh explained. “No doubt she’d had some health problems and couldn’t be around and as visible as she was, but she worked with us to the very end.”
Waugh said Vineyard was active in the planning of the organization’s annual meeting and trade show just two weeks ago.
Others also weighed in on Vineyard’s loss Wednesday.
“It is unthinkable that Jan is no longer with us and it is an understatement to say she will be greatly missed by so many of her family members, friends and colleagues,” said Joe DeFazio, chairman of the OMEGA board of directors. “On behalf of the Boards of Directors of OMEGA, the West Virginia Trucking Association, the West Virginia Wholesalers Association and the Independent Insurance Agents of West Virginia, we extend our thoughts and prayers to Jan’s husband Gary, her son Craig, and her entire family.”
U.S. Senator Joe Manchin offered his condolences in a statement released on Wednesday.
“Jan stood for the best of West Virginia – our workers, our people, our families, and our future. She dedicated her heart and soul and passion to making our state better and stronger. Gayle and I are heartbroken by the passing of our friend. Our lasting prayers are with her husband, Gary, her son, Craig, and her entire family, as well as her colleagues and the countless people who loved her so dearly.”