3/9/2011
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin will issue a proclamation ordering all State flags displayed at state facilities throughout West Virginia to be lowered to half-staff in honor of former House of Delegates member, Nelson Alexander Sorah, who died on March 6, 2011.
Mr. Sorah started his career as a journalist. He was one of the first reporters to reach the Buffalo Creek Disaster in 1973. Following his news coverage of the disaster he was called to active duty as an officer in the West Virginia National Guard for recovery and cleanup of the area. Sorah later had the opportunity to serve as a visiting professor of international journalism at Hudan University in Shanghai, China.
In 1992, Mr. Sorah was elected as a representative of the 31st District in the West Virginia House of Delegates. He served one term before joining the staff of the West Virginia State Treasurer's office in 1997 as Deputy Treasurer of Communications where he served until his death.
"We have lost a valued member of our state government." said Gov. Tomblin. "Nelson Sorah was active in professional and community affairs. He helped to develop college savings plans and streamlined unclaimed property practices for state treasurers across the nation. Not only was he a committed public servant, he was highly respected and will be missed by all."
Nelson Sorah is survived by his wife, Kelly; son, Andy and his mother Margaret.
The United States and State Flags are currently at half-staff in honor of WWI Veteran Corporal Frank Woodruff Buckles. As a result, the Governor will order both flags to be raised to full-staff at 11 AM on Mar. 9, 2011, the time of the memorial services for Mr. Sorah, and then immediately lowered again to half-staff. The raising and lowering of the State Flag is in commemoration of Mr. Sorah, but flag protocol dictates that both flags must be raised and lowered together. Flags will remain at half-staff until further notice.
Contact Information
Jacqueline Proctor
304-558-2000