Image courtesy of Fairfax County
Fairfax County Supervisor Gerry Hyland stands before the building name for him.
Longtime Fairfax County Supervisor Gerry Hyland has passed away.
"I’m deeply saddened to share the loss of a community pillar, a true patriot, Mount Vernon leader for 30+ years, my friend and mentor, Gerry Hyland," Dan Storck, Mount Vernon District supervisor, said in a letter to constituents.
"He was committed to doing things right for the right reasons and challenged us all to be our best selves," Storck said. "We honored Gerry for his deep commitment and many successes in our community by renaming the South County Government Center after him in 2019. Gerry was notorious for his puns, sharp legal mind and for being a leader who listens."
"Everyone who knew Gerry certainly has a story to share about him. I’ve met residents who proudly share the moment they met Gerry during the Huntington flood, where he showedup in high waders to help residents to safety and comfort them during a very difficult time. Or, the widow who called him because she needed help shoveling snow; she was shocked when she looked out her window and saw Gerry on her stoop with a shovel! Or,when he got buses to take 300 South County residents to a planning commission hearing to protest the expansion of a Lorton landfill and unprecedently sat in the audience to register his own protest. There are many more stories like this to share, but in true Gerry fashion, he didn’t tout them or look for accolades, he did them quietly because he cared deeply about all of us. When he needed downtime, he found peace at his farm in the Northern Neck and with the bounty he farmed there, he shared his eggs, crabs, oysters and explosive homemade wine with many of us. His generous spirit knew no bounds."
"As we celebrate his life, each one of us should find a way to be of service to others, as we he was to all of us. I hope you will join me to celebrate him at the 38th Annual Town Meeting on February 8, where we can further honor his life and the town meeting tradition that he started."
"My deepest condolences are with the Hyland family and our community. A celebration of life is being planned for Gerry in the spring."
Fairfax County also released the news about Hyland's passing:
It is with deep sadness that Fairfax County announces the passing of former Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerry Hyland, who died peacefully on Sunday morning, Jan. 19.
Hyland was a beloved community member who served for more than three decades as a dedicated advocate and visionary leader. He was well known for his puns, sharp legal mind and inquisitions from the dais, and for his pivotal role in saving Inova Mount Vernon Hospital among many accomplishments. As a leader who truly listened, he inspired countless individuals through his unwavering commitment to public service.
Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay reflected on Hyland’s passing, stating, “Gerry Hyland was a tireless advocate, a compassionate leader and a dear friend to many. His vision and dedication to our community have left an enduring legacy that will continue to benefit Fairfax County for generations to come.”
McKay emphasized Hyland’s dedication to his constituents, noting his service with countless regional, statewide and national organizations. He was particularly passionate about providing services to the county’s most vulnerable residents, revitalizing the Richmond Highway Corridor and preserving the many historical properties within his district.
From 1988 to 2015, Hyland championed numerous initiatives that left a lasting impact on the county and its residents. He was instrumental in the closure of the county's I-95 landfill, ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations. His efforts to keep Inova Mount Vernon Hospital open preserved critical health care services for the community. Additionally, he played a key role in transforming Lorton into the vibrant and thriving area it is today.
During his tenure, Hyland also served terms as chairman of the Virginia Railway Express and president of the Virginia Association of Counties. He was a board member of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, the Washington Metropolitan Council of Governments, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and the Inova Health Care Services Board. He also served as chairman of the Fairfax County Human Rights Commission and was a retired colonel in the U.S. Air Force.
In recognition of his remarkable contributions, the South County Center was renamed the Gerry W. Hyland Government Center in 2019, a testament to his enduring legacy.
Mount Vernon Supervisor Dan Storck, who succeeded Hyland, called him a community pillar and a true patriot as well as a friend and mentor. “He was committed to doing things right for the right reasons and challenged us all to be our best selves,” Storck said.
To celebrate his life and legacy, the community is invited to honor Hyland at the 38th Annual Mount Vernon Town Hall Meeting on Feb. 8, an event he founded and cherished.
As a master of puns, Hyland left a lasting impression with his humor. At his final Board of Supervisors meeting, he shared one last pun that perfectly encapsulated his wit: “There once was a supervisor who told ten puns to his colleagues to get them to laugh, but no pun in ten did.”
Fairfax County extends its deepest condolences to the Hyland family and all who were touched by his leadership, generosity and friendship.
