A house RESOLUTION

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF Blaine Alan Varner OF Sumter COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS LOVING FAMILY AND HIS MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the death of Blaine Alan Varner at the age of fifty-nine on May 21, 2024; and

Whereas, born in Midland, Michigan, he was a son of Earl Marvin Varner and the late Helen Fitak Varner and was reared in a loving family with three siblings: Ricky Varner, Renay Baker, and Cyndi Bixler; and

Whereas, he joined the United States Air Force in 1983 and served as a medical service technician for twenty years until he retired in 2003. He obtained a Bachelor of Science from Middle Tennessee State University and a Master of Science in physician assistant studies from Central Michigan University; and

Whereas, Mr. Varner was a faithful member of St. Anne and St. Jude Roman Catholic Church in Sumter and practiced as a physician assistant at Tandem Health in Sumter in the behavioral health department, providing vital mental health care to a largely underserved population. During his tenure at Tandem Health, Mr. Varner treated over two thousand patients during nearly sixteen thousand patient visits, showing compassion to all; and

Whereas, surpassing expectations, example-setting, empathetic, loyal, generous, loving and kind to all were among the many characteristics used to describe him professionally and personally. He was inspired by the human potential and believed in the power of sharing compassion; and

Whereas, known for his love of music, Mr. Varner played the guitar and wrote poetry that would sometimes become a song. He enjoyed exploring the outdoors far and wide whether in the mountains or in his own yard. He had fun making culinary creations in the kitchen with the latest gadgets. Despite having interests and passions to keep him busy, he was also known to appreciate a cat nap; and

Whereas, together with his beloved wife, Kristen Manno Varner, he helped raise four fine children: Rian Varner, Zachary Varner, Bethany Newell, and Emma Frank. He was blessed with the affection of two loving grandchildren, Banks Newell and Cassidy Newell; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for his life and legacy of Blaine Varner and for his constant curiosity, infectious sense of humor, and zest for life, an example which he set for all who knew him. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Blaine Alan Varner of Sumter County and extend their deepest sympathy to his loving family and his many friends.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Blaine Alan Varner.