RIP David Randolph Willard, Jr (1924-2009)

My grandfather passed away last week after a long battle with cancer. He was the first person I ever knew who had a home computer, a Texas Instruments 99/4A, back in the early 1980’s. He was an avid genealogist, tracking the Willard family many many years.

NEWPORT NEWS – David R. Willard Jr., 84, passed away peacefully Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009, at the home of his son, David R. Willard III (Randy and Judy).

David proudly served his country with the U.S. Navy, during WW II and the Korean War. Civilian employment included loan manager and automotive sales. David was active with Mended Hearts and served for many years as a volunteer at Riverside Regional Medical Center. At an early age, David became an avid reader, acquiring a vast knowledge of the world, becoming quite an educated gentleman. David was a longtime member of Hilton Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Newport News.

David was preceded in death by his loving wife of 48 years, Manila.

David leaves behind to cherish his memories his sons, David R. Willard III (Randy and Judy) of Newport News, Jonathan T. Willard (Betsy) of York County; grandchildren, Michael Clark (Laura) of Woodbridge, Jonathan Clark (Sharon) of New Kent, Kailey Willard, Todd Willard; and great- grandson, Will Clark.

“Grandpa” adored his family, always teaching them integrity and honor. He was proud of his sons and grandchildren, always had a gleam in his eyes whenever they were together and especially enjoyed time spent together around the kitchen table.

David requested a public thank-you to Heather, Elisha, Jen, Dan and Meg of RRMC, for their assistance as he prepared to enter the Hospice Program. The RRMC Hospice Staff and W.J. Smith Funeral Home are to be commended for their assistance during this difficult time.

Along with David, the entire Willard family wishes to offer sincere appreciation to DR. KIMBERLY SCHLESINGER of the Peninsula Cancer Institute for her care, knowledge of treatment, compassion and friendship as we journeyed together in the treatment of our father, grandpa and friend. The true power of love can be felt through an embrace, and we thank you for yours!

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, at Hilton Christian Church, 100 James River Dr., Newport News with Pastor Terrye Williams officiating. All are invited to a reception in the Fellowship Hall following the service.

David will continue to help others learn through his gift to the Virginia State Anatomical Program. Any contributions may be made to the Food Bank VA Peninsula, 9912 Hoosier St., NN, VA 23601.

Don’t Talk to the Police

Don’t talk to the Police is an interesting lecture from Professor James Duane of the Regent University School of Law about why you should never talk to the police. The talk won’t help you, but could hurt you. Logically, it makes sense. He doesn’t say what you should do when you get pulled over while driving, since then you have to say something to the officer.

If you don’t quite believe what the professor says, listen to what Virginia Beach Police Department Officer George Bruch says in rebuttal: Don’t talk to the Police.

Junk Mail Received During the 2008 Elections

During the 2008 election cycle, which included for me the US Senate (Warner vs. Gilmore), US House of representatives (Connolly vs. Fimian) and President (Obama vs. McCain), I collected all the political junk mail that was sent to my home. I’ve finally gone through it all (32 pieces of mail) to present this summary:

  • Republican Party of Virginia: 2 Absentee Ballot Applications; 1 generic “Vote Republican”
  • Fimian for Congress (Republican): 2 mailings: combined anti-Connolly and pro-Fimian
  • Obama for America: one legal sized postcard
  • Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee: 15 negative ads about Fimian
  • Democratic Party of Virginia: 11 mixed ads, inside page usually split 2/3 vs. 1/3 with “info” about each candidate.

It is very surprising that I didn’t receive even more mail. For the 2007 election cycle, I received more than twice as much junk mail from the candidates and their parties than I did this time. But the mailings for this cycle were of much larger and heavier stock paper than a year ago. If the campaigns had used “normal” postcards or envelopes, they could have done even more mailings. Luckily, I think (hope, pray) that they have wised up: People are sick of political mail and are throwing it away without looking at it. So they make it more obnoxious by making it larger.

The Internet was better represented in these mailings:

  • The Democratic Party of Virginia included the Obama web site URL and their own anti-McCain web site URL in 13 of the 15 mailings.
  • The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee only referred people to their anti-Fimian web site URL.
  • The Republican Party of Virginia, Fimian for Congress, and Obama for America gave their own web site URL.

The other interesting thing I noticed is the shift on the addressing of the mailings. The mailings received early in the race were generally addressed to “The Clark Household.” The mailings received nearer to the election were generally addressed to my wife. I received no mailings addressed to me by name. There were also quite a few mailings addressed to “Current Resident” which is an insult. We know you’ve got the names, you’ve bought the registrar lists from the county, why waste money sending mail to “Current Resident?” And yes, I still wish I could opt-out of allowing the county to sell my name and information.

(Update: I forgot to link to this letter to the editor of the local paper concerning the political junk mail of the season. [Link removed on 2015-05-27, it was dead.])