HOUSE RESOLUTION 32
(By Ashley, Armstead, Border, Evans, Overington and Schadler)
Commemorating the passing of William Frederick "Bill" Carmichael,
dedicated public servant, unique individual, and beloved
husband and father.
Whereas, William Frederick "Bill" Carmichael was born on April
4, 1933, in Silverton, Jackson County. A son of the late Fred and
Beulah M. Carmichael, he was educated in the public schools and
West Virginia University; and
Whereas, Bill Carmichael was a veteran who served his country
during the Korean War as a member of the United States Navy; and
Whereas, On May 1, 1957, he married the former Carolyn Harpold
and together they had five children; and
Whereas, Bill was an employee of Kaiser Aluminum in Ravenswood
for thirty years where he helped found USWA Local 5668 and served
as the first chairman of its grievance committee; and
Whereas, Bill served his county and state with honor and
distinction as a member of this legislative body for seven terms
having been appointed to the House of Delegates on July 8, 1969, and having been elected in 1972, 1978, 1980, 1982, 1984, and 1990;
and
Whereas, Bill always championed the causes of the common man,
the working man and those persons who otherwise had no voice or
spokesman; and
Whereas, One of Bill's more interesting accomplishments was
his introduction and efforts in the passage of his amendment in
1985 which provided that if a driver was convicted of driving less
than ten miles per hour above the speed limit on a controlled-
access or interstate highway, the conviction would not be
transmitted to the division of motor vehicles; and
Whereas, Bill Carmichael loved the legislative process and many
of his fondest memories were of serving in this body; and
Whereas, Bill Carmichael was a dedicated public servant who
served the State of West Virginia not only as a member of the
Legislature but also as a member of the Board of Parole, as Labor
Commissioner, and as a liaison for the Governor; and
Whereas, Bill always faced each new challenge with one of his
trusty pipes and a tough, ever-ready, independent mountaineer
spirit that was most evident after he suffered a life-altering
stroke that left him confined to a wheelchair. Although the stroke
stripped him of his independence, it in no way diminished his
dignity, honor, or bright optimism for the future; and
Whereas, Bill Carmichael was an exemplary citizen, who made many sacrifices for the purpose of serving his fellow West
Virginians, and he cared more for others than for himself to the
end; and
Whereas, Bill Carmichael departed this earthly life on August
2, 2006, at the age of seventy-three and his passing should not go
unnoticed; therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Delegates:
That regret is hereby expressed by the members at the passing
of William Frederick "Bill" Carmichael, dedicated public servant,
unique individual, a man who loved his wife and family, West
Virginia and his fellow man; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby requested to
forward a copy of this resolution to his wife, Carolyn Carmichael,
and his children, Mitch, Shawna, Chad, and Brett.