'Unapologetically Honest': Bob Weir, Gainesville District Supervisor, Dies

GAINESVILLE, VA — Bob Weir, a Republican county supervisor in Prince William County and former Haymarket Town Council member, died on Sunday from metastatic colon cancer. According to his office, Weir was known for his "no-nonsense approach" on the board and commitment to transparency and constituents.

Weir had served as the Gainesville District supervisor since a February 2023 special election, representing the Gainesville and Haymarket on the Prince William Board of Supervisors. A Haymarket resident, he previously served on the Haymarket Town Council, Haymarket Planning Commission, multiple advisory boards and community organizations.

"Among his many contributions, Bob was widely known for his dedication to constituent services," the Gainesville District office said in a statement. "He personally followed up with residents, sought practical solutions, and consistently prioritized the day-to-day concerns of the people in his district. His passing is a profound loss to Prince William County, and his legacy of quiet strength, integrity, and public service will not be forgotten."

The Board of County Supervisors released a joint statement on the loss of their "colleague and friend."

"Underneath his tough facade was a heart of pure gold who cared deeply about our community," the board said in the statement. "He was not only a respected leader but also a neighbor, a mentor, and a friend to many. Bob served with humility and purpose, always guided by his belief in good governance and civic responsibility."

Weir was a University of Virginia graduate who spent most of his life in Virginia. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Diane, and their three children — Sam, Michael and Megan, who they raised in the community he came to represent.

Weir's family requested privacy in light of his death. Services will be announced in the coming days.

Condolences poured in from various public officials in and around Prince William County.

"Bob was someone who fought for the people he represented and stood up for what he believed in," said Board of County Supervisors Chair Deshundra Jefferson (D-at large). "He was a man of fierce conviction and integrity who didn’t suffer fools gladly. Bob and I sometimes sparred, but I respected him deeply because I knew that he always had the best interest of others at heart."

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Supervisor Weir," added County Executive Chris Shorter. "He served the people of the Gainesville/Haymarket area for more than two decades, and his dedication and service to our community left a lasting impact. His commitment to public service will not be forgotten."

State Sen. Danica Roem, a Democrat who got to know Weir while working as a reporter, released a long statement recalling knowing Weir for 18 years. Roem recalled when she couldn't get any bills passed during her first year in the Virginia House of Delegates, Weir helped make her passed bill happen with a bill on transparency.

"I couldn't have been prouder and it couldn't have been more fitting that my first bill to pass would be about making government more transparent — and I have Bob to thank for it," said Roem. "We collaborated on so many bills — mine and others — throughout the years, I couldn't possibly go through them one by one."

On Weir's fight against data center development in western Prince William County, Roem said, "whether you do it for Bob, do it for yourself, or do it for any other reason, I promise you Bob wouldn't have cared why: just defeat the Prince William Digital Gateway."

Supervisor Tom Gordy (R-Brentsville) said Weir's approach was "direct, blunt, and unapologetically honest."

"When we worked together — whether on fighting crime, tackling development challenges, or eliminating the data center overlay — Bob was a steadfast partner," said Gordy. "He always brought a deep knowledge of the history, background, and context behind every issue. Prince William County lost a true leader today."

Supervisor Victor Angry (D-Neabsco) said he'll miss talks and debates with Weir "and the way we challenged each other to think differently."

"Bob didn't sugarcoat things. He said what he meant and meant what he said," said Angry. "You always knew where he stood and behind that directness was someone who genuinely cared. He was passionate about serving his community and gave his all to the people of the Gainesville District."

"Bob was a straight shooter with a deep love for his community," added Supervisor Kenny Boddye (D-Occoquan) in a statement. "He brought a unique voice to the Board, shaped by lived experience, grounded in principle, and always focused on what he believed was right for the people he served. One of the greatest strengths of our Board is the diversity of perspectives we bring to the table. Bob’s presence made us better as leaders, and as a county."

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