b'Knights of Columbus Georgia State CouncilResolution GA20-01WHEREAS:Virgil Dechant, born on September 24, 1930 in Antonino, Kansas, was a dedicated Catholic gentleman, who joined Council 2970 in LaCrosse, Kansas at 18 years of age, andWHEREAS:He served as Supreme Secretary from 1967 to 1977 and was elected Supreme Knight, becoming our longest serving Supreme Knight from January 21, 1977 until September 30, 2000, andWHEREAS: During his tenure as Supreme Knight enjoyed tremendous growth in assets and insurance, andWHEREAS: Mr. Dechant forged close relationships with Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and with the Vatican during the Pontificates of Paul VI, John Paul I and Saint John Paul II, leading the Order to sponsor numerous renovation projects, and WHEREAS: Virgil Dechant was a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Pope Pius IX, Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Saint Gregory the Great, Knight of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, and a recipient of the National Right to Life Award, and WHEREAS: The legacy of the Past Supreme Knight will live on with the Ann & Virgil Dechant Foundation, andWHEREAS: Past Supreme Knight Virgil Dechant passed from this life to his eternal reward on February 15, 2020, therefore let it beRESOLVED: Georgia State Council of the Knights of Columbus is forever gratefulfor the service, dedication, and leadership of Virgil Dechant, and offers condolences to his family and this prayer: Heavenly Father, receive your servant Virgil into your glory and presence. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord, Amen.This resolution was recommended by unanimous vote of the Georgia State Council Executive Committee at its meeting on April 4, 2020.Respectfully submitted: Attested: Mark W. Hofmann B.M. SartainBy, Mark W. HofmannBrian M. SartainJames H. Clifford State Deputy State AdvocateState Secretary St. Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us. 78'