In Memory of Simon P. Gaskill, Jr.

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Simon Gaskill researched the "Green Space" issue.  He listened to remarks made at City Council meetings; he read several letters that expressed a desire to prevent the public's Buckroe Bay Front property from being developed into residential housing; he perused this website to better familiarize himself with the situation; and then he wrote:

“Hampton is in the process of renovation and reclamation to insure the future of the great city.  A number of initiatives are on the table, which must be addressed with financial attention.  New sources of revenue must be sorted out, examined for feasibility and implemented when found to be of benefit to the citizens.

“I am of the opinion that, while we might reap some immediate financial benefit from allowing the intended Condos to be built, those benefits would be almost inconsequential and would affect a few rather than the masses.  However, I think the "livability" of the city would be a higher priority in this instance.”

”I am totally in favor of preserving and developing Buckroe Beach as an entertainment and recreation area available for residents and visitors to enjoy, and I will be a vocal advocate for the establishment of a ‘world-class city park with revenue producing amenities that appeal to both locals and visitors.’  (Taken from one of the letters on your website.)”

Simon Gaskill

HAMPTON - On Thursday, Aug. 17, 2006, God called home Simon P. Gaskill Jr. of Hampton. Simon graduated from North Carolina A&T University in 1965 and afterward served in the U.S. Air Force. He was awarded several distinguished medals and was recognized as one of America's first African American B-52 Pilots. Simon continued flying as a commercial pilot for Eastern Airlines from which he retired. After many years, Simon returned to Hampton and was employed by Colonial Virginia Boy Scout Council as a Scout Reach Executive. He became active in the community by serving on Hampton's Military Affairs Committee, Y.H. Thomas Board, Tuskegee Airmen, and was a candidate for Hampton's City Council.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Simon P. Gaskill Sr. He leaves to cherish his memory, wife, Loretha; children, Nia, Crystal and Trey; brothers, Nelson, Donald and George; sisters, Patricia Holt, Joyce Ann and Gladys Baker; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Viewing will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22, at O.H. Smith & Son Funeral Home, 3009 Chestnut Ave., Newport News, VA 23607, and two hours prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 230-33rd St., Newport News, VA 23607, with Father Robert Ruth officiating. Interment will be in the Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk, Va.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the college fund of Simon P. Gaskill III. Please mail to 1359 Coral Place, Hampton, VA 23669.

Arrangements are by O.H. Smith & Son Funeral Home. 

Published in the Daily Press from 8/18/2006 - 8/20/2006.

Retired pilot, Hampton candidate Simon P. Gaskill, 63

DAILY PRESS

August 19, 2006

HAMPTON -- Simon P. Gaskill, who ran unsuccessfully for a seat on the Hampton City Council this year, died Thursday.

Mr. Gaskill, 63, passed away suddenly, said O.H. Smith & Son Funeral Home, which is making the arrangements. No other information was available.

The longtime Hampton resident came in sixth among nine candidates in the May race, with 4,390 votes. He was a retired commercial pilot for Eastern Airlines and a former Air Force combat pilot.

Mr. Gaskill was born and raised in Hampton, graduating from the old Phenix High School in 1961 - as its class president - before going to North Carolina A&T State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree.

While in the Air Force, he did tours in Vietnam as a B-52 and OV-10 pilot.

Later, after retiring as a commercial pilot, Mr. Gaskill served as a veterans representative for former U.S. Sen. Max Cleland of Georgia.

Mr. Gaskill is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son.

The Green Space Ladies greatly appreciated Simon's help and support on the Bay Front Initiative issue. 

The City of Hampton has lost a great person.  

We send our deepest sympathy to his family. 

Visit the Daily Press web site to view and sign Simon's Guest Book.