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(July 9, 2009) - The Loudoun County Public Schools community was rocked this week by the passing of Mike Lunsford, the school district's Director of Transportation. Lunsofrd, 57, suffered a stroke a week ago and passed away Wednesday at Inova Loudoun Hospital. The Loudoun County High School grad worked for 41 years for LCPS and was a long-time supporter of youth and high school sports.

Ken Wright, Loudoun County High School Athletic Director wrote: "It is with great sadness that I pass along that Mike Lunsford, Director of Transportation for LCPS and father of current and future Raiders, passed away last night.  Mike was a real supporter of athletics at all levels, having served the CLYFL, CLBL, and others.  He also spent his entire adult life as an employee of LCPS.  He was also a great friend to me and many others.

I am reminded of how he always was able to "find" buses for LCHS when we were going to Richmond...many times with less that 48 hours notice.  If a kid wanted to go cheer for the Raiders, Mike found a way to get them there.  He knew they were going to go anyway, and wanted them on school buses so that they were safer than driving themselves. 

Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.  He will be missed ..."


And school board member John Stevens posted this on his blog about the news:


"I don't know how to write this. I'll just do my best. Mike Lunsford is gone. He died yesterday, a little more than a week after suffering a stroke. I know that the entire LCPS leadership is in a state of shock and mourning today."


Here is the release from LCPS:


J. Michael Lunsford, a beloved member of the Loudoun County Public Schools family, died on Wednesday, July 8th, at Inova Loudoun Hospital.

He was 57.

Mike served Loudoun's students as director of transportation since July 1995. He began his career at 17 as a student bus driver at Loudoun County High School in September 1968. Mike also served as a computer operator (1972-75), computer programmer (1975-79), transportation coordinator (1979-86) and transportation operations supervisor (1986-95).

The School Board honored him for 40 years of service to LCPS at its June 10, 2008, meeting.

“LCPS and the community have lost a great leader and a great friend,” said Superintendent Edgar B. Hatrick III. “Tens of thousands of Loudoun's young people are better for having been served by J. Michael Lunsford. “It was my privilege to work with Mike for his more than 40 years of service to the students of LCPS. Consummate gentleman, patience of a saint, loving father and husband - Mike was the model in all he did. The gap he leaves cannot be filled, but our memories of his devoted service will inspire all of us to do our best. He demanded nothing less of himself and of all with whom he worked.”

Mike was known for his humor and kindness, even in the face of stressful situations. In his capacity as director of transportation, he oversaw a fleet of 776 buses that traveled more than 9 million miles per year and transported every LCPS student either to or from school or on field trips or to athletic events and other competitions.

In October 2007, Mike was named one of the “Hidden Powers” in the Washington, D.C., area by Washingtonian magazine. The magazine defined a hidden power as “people you may not know about who can change your life.” Mike was cited for his ability to cancel school during inclement weather.

Funeral arrangements are pending.