Remembering Roy Scherer on April 20th

Roy B. Scherer
(circa 2006)

Rory B. Scherer (1942-2023) was a man I knew and respected for over 50 years. According to Roy's wife, Sally Camp, he died peacefully last year, on December 8th. 

To be sure, Roy was a one-of-a-kind marvel. His many years of contributing to society in a positive way, as a friend indeed and a ready activist, are now rightfully seen as aspects of a remarkable legacy. 

Over our decades of friendship, Roy and I shared many a laugh. His Libertarian political philosophy and his keen sense of social justice were always at the heart of his dogged activism.

Longtime Virginia politicians, as well as veteran political reporters, were all familiar with Roy (pictured right, my photo) and his opinions, especially those opinions having to do with the legalization of marijuana. As he was Virginia's original registered lobbyist dedicated to that issue, it is particularly appropriate to remember Roy -- now, with a legal smile -- on April 20th. 

However, his activism touched other issues having to do with anyone's Constitutional rights. Whether or not I agreed with him on a particular issue, I knew Roy to be a thoughtful man. Moreover, he was a kind man whose consistent beliefs seemed to flow from his life experience. That, rather than some canned, party line sort of thinking.

Thus, it is totally fitting that the Commonwealth's Senate has remembered Roy with the following resolution: 

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 126 

Offered March 4, 2024

WHEREAS, Roy Britton Scherer, a passionate advocate for the legalization of marijuana and a beloved husband and friend to many in the Richmond community, died on December 8, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Roy Scherer was born in Richmond, attended military schools in his youth, and ultimately graduated from the Miller School of Albemarle; and

WHEREAS, Roy Scherer served the nation as a member of the United States Air Force, then volunteered with numerous organizations in the pursuit of social justice and civil rights; and

WHEREAS, Roy Scherer formed Virginians for the Study of Marijuana Laws and was at the forefront of advocacy for the legalization of marijuana in the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, from 1985 to the time of his passing, Roy Scherer worked for Virginians Against Drug Violence, cultivating strong working relationships with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and stakeholders; and

WHEREAS, Roy Scherer impressed colleagues and state officials alike with his expertise, analytical mind, unwavering convictions, and persistence; and

WHEREAS, Roy Scherer was a longtime member and volunteer of the Libertarian Party of Virginia, and a fixture of the Richmond community who touched countless lives through his kindness and generosity; and

WHEREAS, Roy Scherer will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of 20 years, Sally; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Roy Britton Scherer; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Roy Britton Scherer as an expression of the Senate of Virginia’s respect for his memory.

*

Note: On May 11, 2024, commencing at 2 p.m., a Celebration of Roy Scherer's life party will take place at 529 High Street in Petersburg. For more information about this event click on this Facebook link. 

RIP, Roy Scherer.  

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