From left: Jojo and Mark Turner III, state Sen. Janet Howell, Beverly Bradford Crawford, state Del. Vincent F. Callahan, Dranesville Supervisor Stuart Mendelsohn, Fairfax Board of Supervisors Chairman Kate Hanley and Dranesville representative to the Fairfax County Park Authority board Richard Bissell at the dedication of Turner Farm acreage in 1999.
Former delegate Vincent Callahan Jr., who spent 40 years representing McLean, Great Falls and Tysons Corner in Virginia House of Delegates, died on Sept. 20.
A Northern Virginian for life, he was born in Washington D.C. in 1931 and died at 82 years old in Arlington on Saturday.
Politicians from both sides of the aisle commented on the sadness of his loss.
“Dorothy and I are profoundly saddened by the loss of our friend Vince Callahan,” said Gov. Terry McAuliffe in a statement. “Vince devoted his life to serving the people of Virginia and he will be remembered as a leader and a statesman who always put his community and his Commonwealth first.”
Del. Barbara Comstock, who currently serves the district Callahan did, commended his support and efforts in local organizations.
“He leaves behind a lasting legacy in the Commonwealth and certainly here in our local community,” she said. “It was an honor to call him a friend, to work with him over the years and to have the privilege of his advice and guidance.”
U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly spoke of Callahan’s efforts with both Republicans and Democrats for the sake of the state.
“Vince Callahan was a statesman who put sound policy and the needs of Northern Virginians ahead of partisanship,” he said in a statement. “One only hopes his legacy as a bipartisan bridge builder can serve as an example for many of today's elected leaders. I am saddened by his passing."
Turner Farm advocate Beverly Bradford remembered his presence at the Turner Farm Park dedication in 1999. She also noted that Callahan championed Georgetown Pike as the state’s first scenic byway.
“Not only was he a friend to everyone regardless of their political leanings, but Vince Callahan had a soft spot for dogs and horses,” she said.