CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Two well-liked and respected former state lawmakers were membered in separate memorial resolutions Monday at the state capitol.
Former House speaker, Supreme Court Justice Tim Armstead died last Aug. 26. He was 60 when cancer claimed his life.
“Tim Armstead dedicated his life to the service of his fellow West Virginians. He was a champion for the state and a tireless advocated for children,” House Clerk Jeff Pack read from the resolution. “HIs life was a tapestry of woven faith, hard work and dedication. His commitment to ethics, kindness and living a life marked by his salvation in Jesus was unmatched.”
Armstead most of his career in public service in the House of Delegates where he was a delegate from Kanawha County. He later became House Minority Leader and then was chosen House Speaker when Republicans gained control of the House for the first time in 80 years.
Armstead’s family including his wife Anna, daughter Katie, son-in-law and grandchildren were on hand for the passage of the resolution along with many former House members along with members of the state Supreme Court, the Intermediate Court of Appeals and U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Jim Justice.
Helmick resolution
Former Pocahontas State Senator and state Agriculture Commissioner Walt Helmick died last September. His life and service were honored in the Senate Monday.
“There are people that you meet in your life that fall into a special category titled ‘They don’t make them like that anymore,’ Walt definitely fell into that category,” Sen. Robbie Morris, R-Randolph, said.
Helmick, who was agriculture commissioner from 2013-2017, was a member of the Senate from 1990-2012. He was chairman of the Senate Finance Committee for eight years. Earlier he was a member of the House of Delegates. He served two separate stints on the Pocahontas County Commission. He got his start in political office on the Pocahontas County Board of Education from 1976-1978.
“Walt Helmick never met a stranger and you never felt like you were a stranger when you met Walt Helmick,” Sen. Mike Oliverio, R-Monongalia, said during remarks on the Senate floor Monday.
There were several former senators who joined Helmick’s family members for the resolution including former Senate Majority Leader Truman Chafin and former Randolph County Senator Mike Ross.
Helmick died at the age of 81.