County Arts Council Chairman R. Dennis McArver Has Died

By Jessie Biele

R. Dennis McArver of Vienna passed away on Sept. 14, The Arts Council of Fairfax County announced Wednesday. 

Mr. McArver was recently named the Arts Council's Chairman of the Board of Directors. He succeeded Gerald L. Gordon, Ph.D, president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority. McArver joined the Board of Directors in 2009. 

"Dennis McArver was a tireless and dedicated supporter of the arts for many years and in many capacities," Gordon said in a statement released by the Arts Council Wednesday. "I had the honor of serving with Dennis on both the board of the Arts Council of Fairfax County and the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra. He was never one to sit back."

"The arts and the community have lost a strong advocate and a committed leader," Gordon added.

McArver was a long-time partner with McGuire Woods LLP in Tysons Corner, specializing in real estate law. According to the Arts Council, McArver served in numerous management positions, ranging from department chairman to managing partner of the firm.

McArver was a dedicated supporter of the arts. Prior to being named the Arts Council of Fairfax County's chairman of the Board of Directors, he chaired the Board of Directors at Wolf Trap and the Fairfax Zymphony, as well as serving on boards of the Baltimore Symphony and the Arts at Mason Partnership.

"We have lost a dear friend and a strong leader," said Linda S. Sullivan, president and CEO of the Arts Council. "Dennis embraces his role as chairman of the Board with such enthusiasm and vigor and was a tireless advocate for the council and all the arts in Fairfax County."

"The Fairfax community has lost a very dedicated and thoughtful leader in Dennis McArver," Arts Council Board of Directors Vice Chairman Joe Richey said. "He was a tremendous professional and friend to many in the community. Dennis was a champion of the arts in Fairfax County, and will be missed by all who knew him."

McArver is survived by his wife, Emmy McArver; three children, Rob McArver, Laura Timberlake and Susan Dunton; and five grandchildren.

A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at Truro Church, 10520 Main St. in Fairfax.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home, 9902 Braddock Road in Fairfax.

The McArver family has asked that, in lieu of flowers,memorial donations should be made to the Arts Council of Fairfax County.

Donations can be mailed to Arts Council of Fairfax County, In Memoriam Dennis McArver, 10604 Judicial Dr., Fairfax, VA 22030.

Did you know Dennis McArver? Share your memories of him in the comments below.

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