In Memoriam: Harry E. McCoy, Jr.

Posted by Bob Powell

Harry E. McCoy, Jr. (1922-2019), Norfolk Rotarian for 66 years, died on Wednesday, April 10th. The following mini-biography by Bob Powell was first published in the April 8, 2016 issue of Rotations.

A friend of Harry and Martha Lee McCoy for many years, my mother-in-law sums up how people feel about him this way: “Everyone loves Harry. He’s really nice and he makes you laugh.” How true, but I do not want to get ahead of myself so let’s go back to the beginning.

Harry arrived as a newborn babe in Norfolk on July 28, 1922, the child of Harry E. McCoy and Emily Hope McCoy. He attended Blair Junior High School and graduated from Maury High School. He met his wife Martha Lee in eighth grade at Blair but they did not start dating until 1937 when both were classmates at Maury. In high school Harry was advertising manager for the yearbook, golf team manager and a member of the Hi-Y Club and Alpha Alpha Pi. After graduation Harry headed to the University of Virginia and Martha Lee went to Sweet Briar College.

At an early age Harry developed a great work ethic. His father passed away during the Great Depression when Harry was nine years old and in fourth grade. Finances were tight so Harry found jobs to earn money. During college he was active in several student activities and societies including V-Club and Skull & Keys. He also managed the cross-country track team and student accounts for a boarding house in addition to having other odd jobs. Harry was president of Chi Phi fraternity, a Greek social fraternity founded at UVA in 1859.

With the outbreak of World War II on December 7, 1941, Harry enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1942. He increased his UVA course load with the hope of graduating before being called to active duty. When the call came in mid-1943, he was four hours short of graduating, but in January 1944 UVA granted him a political science degree. Soon he and Martha Lee married. By June 1944 Harry was a Navy ensign and a graduate of the Naval Reserve Midshipman School at Notre Dame University.

Harry was commissioned as a civil engineer based on his experience as a time-keeper on a construction project. This resulted in his assignment to the SeaBees at Camp Peary, Virginia. Harry’s assignments included: 3^rd Naval District Headquarters in New York City training in cargo operations; Camp Endicott in Rhode Island teaching at a military government school; Port Hueneme, California, U.S. Army Rocky Mountain Arsenal Chemical Warfare School in Denver for instruction in poisonous gas handling; 4^th Special SeaBee Battalion as a cargo officer in Okinawa. After serving in Guam organizing support companies for cargo operations, Harry returned in 1947 to the U.S. and inactive duty. He later transferred to U.S. Naval Intelligence and remained in the Naval Reserve with monthly meetings and two-week annual active duty until being discharged as a lieutenant in 1955. That was the year Harry joined the Rotary Club of Norfolk on April 14. He remains one of our club's longest-tenured and most devoted members and was one of the driving forces behind starting our club's charitable endowment in 1992.

Harry entered the UVA Law School under the G.I. Bill in mid-1946, passed the 1947 bar exam and was admitted to practice on January 10, 1948. In June of that year he received his degree from the School of Law at UVA and started his legal career with Hughes, Little & Seawell where several of the partners had been his customers when he sold magazines from age 7 to age 14. His talents were quickly recognized and within two years he became a junior partner. Two years late, the elderly partners in the firm died, the firm reorganized and Harry became the firm manager. In only five more years (in 1957) one partner died and another became a judge leaving Harry as the sole remaining partner when he was only nine years out of law school. Harry grew the firm to over 30 attorneys with a sizeable paralegal and support staff. In 1980 younger attorneys made Harry what he calls “an offer he could not refuse,” and he accepted a buy-out and retired.

During his law tenure Harry concentrated on admiralty and maritime area representing ship owners, operators, charterers, insurers and mutual underwriting syndicates such as Lloyd’s of London. This led to extensive business and friendship contacts and affiliations in the U.S. and around the world. He traveled to England, Scandinavia, Greece and other countries where clients were located. His firm expanded into corporate, finance, tax, estate planning and administration, business development and administration, and personal counseling. Harry also had extensive litigation experience in both state and federal trial and appellate courts in Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland and Delaware. He was the only civilian attorney participating in the 18-day U.S. Navy Court of Inquiry into the 1950 grounding of the USS Missouri as it headed out of Hampton Roads to the Chesapeake Bay. The incident resulted in the court martial of the captain.

For several years Harry was a visiting lecturer at the UVA School of Law teaching the admiralty seminar. He also lectured at a Tulane University Admiralty Law Institute and at an American Bar Association Annual Meeting.

Harry’s practice embraced extensive and complex civil matters. One example was a matter involving allegations of a “civil conspiracy” involving Virginia, New York and Greek, Dutch and German entities in international business transactions. Another series involved the interpretation of insurance policy provisions, extent of coverage and relations with policy holders, brokers, and excess coverage insurers throughout nearly seven years of Kepone problems in Virginia. In this particular matter Harry was chief counsel for a major insurance company in hearings before a committee of the U.S. Senate in Washington, D.C. He had similar experiences in the products liability and medical malpractice fields. Harry’s clients obviously recognized, in the words of one of the attorneys who worked for Harry: “the keen mind that is and always has been Harry. This attorney now living out West related the following “Harry Story:”

During a maritime law trial in Federal Court, Harry’s opponent got cute during his closing argument. He told the jury that he knew Harry McCoy and then went through all the points he knew Harry would make in defense of the case during his closing argument that would follow. The opposing attorney told the jury that he had reasonable, if not determinative, responses to each of the points that Harry would make. Rather than tell the jury what those responses were, he said he would wait until Harry made his argument and he would then use his rebuttal time to explain why Harry’s points were not well taken. He concluded his closing argument. Harry then told the Court that he waived his opportunity to make a closing argument. When his opponent stood to do his rebuttal, Harry stood and objected, telling the judge there was nothing to rebut since he had waived his closing argument. The judge agreed, the jury was then sent out to deliberate and returned a verdict in Harry’s client's favor.

The attorney said there are many other stories that demonstrated Harry's quick mind and keen wit. He calls Harry a wonderful mentor and friend and says “we will never forget his generosity and caring.” This is a good summary of Harry McCoy who always demonstrates the true Rotarian spirit and attitude.

The Four-Way Test

Of the things we think, say, and do:

1) Is it the TRUTH?

2) Is it FAIR to all concerned?

3) Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

4) Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Elizabeth River Crossings—More Than Just Tunnels

Posted by John McLemore

Doug Wilson (r), CEO of Elizabeth River Crossings, chats with Rotarian George Compo.

Doug Wilson, our speaker, was briefly introduced by Gary Boswick who highlighted his educational expertise in finance, including a Masters from Wharton, and his employment by private equity organizations.

Mr. Wilson dove right into his thesis: that the ERC was about much more than two tunnels. It was about addressing the transportation needs of this area by expanding and maintaining the downtown and midtown tunnels and also constructing and maintaining new roads connecting the tunnels to our adjacent highways.

He began by giving a brief history of the construction of the original tunnels, noting that the downtown tunnel was built in 1952, the midtown tunnel followed in 1962 and the downtown tunnel was expanded in 1987. Unfortunately, the needs of the adjacent cities for expanding and improving the tunnels grew faster than the state’s appetite for financing these improvements.

Congestion, deferred maintenance and falling tax revenues after the 2009 “Great Recession”, all made it difficult for the state to fund the approximately $2.1 billion needed to finance the expansion of the tunnels, adjacent roads and to catch up on the deferred maintenance. His employer, private equity investors, stepped in to fill this void by negotiating a contract with the Commonwealth during Governor McDonald’s administration. The result was the completion in 2016 of the new midtown tunnel, upgrading and improving the existing downtown and midtown tunnels, and expansion of adjacent connecting roadways. Wilson emphasized that ERC’s operation was much more than the two tunnels but also included the adjacent roadways and the extensive staff and operators needed to maintain and manage the assets, including the 4 tunnels, the MLK extension, 61 lane miles of roadway, 27 bridges, 21 overhead structures, 100 safety cameras, 13 signs, 10 inspection stations, 40 pumps, 64 jet fans, 12 transformers, 11 generators, 40 vehicles, 9 ponds, and a current staff of over 200 people. All at an estimate cost of more than $2.2 billion over the 50 year plus contract. Clearly, the ERC is more than just tunnels!

There were over 36.8 million trips through the tunnels in 2018, and more than 250,000 pay by plate motorist statements each month. He also indicated that the tolls today were less than the original 1952 tolls of a quarter, if adjusted for inflation.

Mr. Wilson reminded us that his company invested the equity capital that the state was unwilling to invest, and ERC also assumed the risks related to construction, maintenance, operating costs and revenues meeting projections.

In sum, one has to commend Mr. Wilson’s candor in speaking to our club on what is for many an unpopular topic and for some, a sore point. Of course, the fault, if any, is not with his company, but with our elected officials who pursued or allowed the pursuit of the private equity approach rather than financing the needed improvements via state funds.

The Meeting

The meeting was called to order by President Pam who called upon Sigur Whitaker, with Frank Whitman assisting on piano, to lead us in our opening songs. Bob Powell gave the Invocation and President Pam led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and the “Four Way Test.”.

Joey Rothgery encouraged us to keep in our prayers the Harry McCoy family including daughter and son-in-law, Martha Lee and Mark Shaw. Joey also recognized Chuck Spence, who was present for the meeting and who has been recovering from shoulder surgery.

Our area governor, Dave Rosenthal, was introduced, and presented to President Gary Boswick an official Citation letter signed by Ian H.S. Riseley, Past President, Rotary International, along with a new Rotary Citation patch for our club banner. The club citation recognizes the club’s outstanding achievements during the 2017-2018 Rotary year under Gary’s leadership.

Area Governor David Rosenthal (center) presents 2017-2018 RI Citation to Past President Gary Boswick

We also inducted into our membership Dr. Berhanu Mengitsu of Old Dominion University. Welcome! Unfortunately, President Pam also announced that Ph.D. candidate Ashley Molinaro will be graduating from ODU and moving to Washington, D.C. next month. She will be greatly missed, especially for the leadership she provided on our numerous volunteer opportunities. Fortunately, Rachel Bellis will be filling the role of keeping us all advised on the projects. Please check our Rotary website for upcoming events and opportunities.

Sally Hartman and President Pam encouraged us to get behind our major fund raiser, “Suds and Buds”, on May 17^th from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. Please consider ways you can support the project through recruitment of sponsors, purchasing tickets for yourself, family and/or friends, donating wine, and volunteering for the event. Proceeds will benefit Norfolk Rotary Charities, Lee’s Friends, and the Norfolk Botanical Garden.

We also were reminded of Rotary Baseball Night, the annual District 7600 fundraiser for End Polio Now, coming up on Thursday evening, May 2nd. Bill McInnis will have tickets available for sale next week. Game time at Harbor Park is 6:35 p.m. Get ready to wear your red "End Polio Now" t-shirts! Visit our website calendar for more details.

President-Elect Lorna Cochrane gave a report on the work of the Norfolk Rotary Charities Grants Committee, which reviewed nearly 50 requests seeking over $131,000.00 and awarded 23 applicant grants for a total of over $41,000. She also reported that members of the Grants Committee visited the recipients to present the checks. Your Rotary dollars put back into our community!

President Pam recognized several PHFs for their continued support and awarded PHF pins to the following: Bryce Burton (+2); Alan Nelson (+2), Tim Lawrence (+1), Gus Stuhlreyer (+3), and John Lynn (+5). Unfortunately, John Lynn has also recently moved out of state: he, too, will be greatly missed.

Ann Baldwin gave another plug for her passion, "Literacy”, and the Grammar Book that she has available for distribution. Please contact Ann for a copy.

Timing was running short, so “Happy Bucks” time was cut short, but not before several Wahoos celebrated the University’s National Basketball Championship by offering some comments and more “Happy Bucks”! Go Hoos!

Chuck “Hoo” Spence continued his winning streak with the lucky raffle ticket.

Our meeting on April 16^th will feature Norfolk Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Melinda J. Boone.

Norfolk Rotary Grant to Tidewater Wooden Boat Workshop

Norfolk Rotarian Tim Lawrence (l) presents grant check to TWBT Executive Director, Thomas Brandl

Among the local non-profits receiving a grant from Norfolk Rotary Charities this year is Tidewater Wooden Boat Workshop (TWBT). Funds from the grant will go to purchase boat building materials and supplies. TWBT provides STEM and life skills to at-risk youth, teaching them wooden boats craftsmanship and engaging them in nautical activities. Sixty-five youth participated in the 2018/19 winter/spring program; they built three Tidewater 14 skiffs. Each summer, TWBT runs half-day summer camps for youth ages 11 through 18. Activities include boat-building (both model and full size), rowing, sailing, and environmental science.

TWBT is holding an open house on Saturday, May 5, from 1-4 p.m. at the workshop, 910 Ballentine Blvd., Norfolk. Go and check out the boats on display, and see how our grant will be invested.

Rotarians Supporting The Rotary Foundation

President Pam awards Gus Stuhlreyer his Paul Harris +3 pin while +2 Alan Nelson (l) looks on.

The Paul Harris Fellow program recognizes individuals who contribute at least $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation within a year. The honor was established in 1957 to show appreciation for contributions to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or RI global grants. Highlighted this week for their commitment to improve lives in our region and around the world were: Bryce Burton (+2); Alan Nelson (+2), Tim Lawrence (+1), Gus Stuhlreyer (+3) and John Lynn (+5). Bravos to these exemplary Norfolk Rotarians!

End Polio Now: Rotary Night @ Harbor Park—Thursday, May 2

Spring is upon us, and so is baseball season! In the last 4 years, D7600 clubs have raised nearly $43,000 to End Polio Now, matched 2:1 by the Gates Foundation. Let’s keep this momentum going and set a new record year for ticket and t-shirt sales supporting END POLIO NOW Night at Harbor Park! “We are This Close”--and we're making a real difference for the kids of the world while having a fun filled Rotary night at the ballpark!

Our Norfolk Tides will be playing the Charlotte Knights. Gates open at 5:30; game time is 6:35 p.m. At least $2.50 of each ticket purchased will be donated to End Polio Now in our club's name. Game admission tickets are $13.00 each. President Pam has about ten left to sell, so call her first and avoid the credit card purchase fee!...otherwise, tickets may be purchased at the gate, or online (visit the event on our club calendar for details). Don't forget to wear your red End Polio Now t-shirt! END POLIO NOW t-shirts are available by emailing Stan and Debbie at stan.debbie.rotary@comcast.net.

Tickets on Sale for Suds & Buds

Buy your tickets NOW for our fifth annual Suds & Buds--Norfolk's best spring party! On Friday, May 17, we'll enjoy a casual after-work evening amid over 250,000 gorgeous roses in full bloom at the Norfolk Botanical Garden (NBG). In addition, the party features fabulous food and drink, great music, and fun with friends! Suds & Buds proceeds always benefit the Garden, Norfolk Rotary Charities, and one other local charity; our charitible partner for 2019 is Lee's Friends. For complete details, sponsorship information, and ticket purchase, go to the fundraiser's website, sudsandbuds.org.

It's Wine Time

Back by popular demand at our May 17 Suds & Buds party will be the charity wine pull. To make it work, we need club members to each donate at a meeting a bottle of wine valued at $20 or more. Or, donate $20 and our wine committee will buy the wine for you. Wine bottles will be bagged and numbered and guests at the party will pay $20 and take home a mystery bag of wine. Proceeds will benefit our Rotary Club, Norfolk Botanical Garden and Lee's Friends. The wine pull sold out quickly at last year's Suds & Buds and netted more than $2,000.

Chick Robison is chairing the wine pull committee with help from George Compo. If you have questions contact Chick at cdrobison3@cox.net.