LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Richard A. Stimson upon the occa-
sion of celebrating his 100th Birthday, April 23, 2009

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Richard
A. Stimson upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th Birthday; and
WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to
the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past
contributions and future participation are vital parts of, and valuable
assets to, the fabric of community life and activity; and
WHEREAS, Born on April 23, 1909, Richard A. Stimson grew up pitching
hay, collecting eggs, and riding horses on a small farm in Princeton,
Massachusetts, where his father was a veterinarian; and
WHEREAS, Relocating to a farm in Spencer, New York, Richard A. Stimson
then moved to Bath, and then to Almond where he worked for I.D. Carr
and attended Alfred Agricultural and Technical School; and
WHEREAS, After graduating from Alfred, Richard A. Stimson went to work
for the local Grange League Federation where he was employed for 20
years; in the early 1950s he was an employee of Air PreHeater in Wells-
ville, New York, until his retirement in 1975; and
WHEREAS, Richard A. Stimson was married to the late Mary Ellen Whit-
ford; together they lived in Andover, New York, and were the proud
parents of one daughter, Ella Mae; he has two beloved grandchildren,
Lynn and Melissa, and two great grandchildren, Kelsey and Andrew; and
WHEREAS, Alfred State College's culinary arts department supplied a
birthday cake to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Richard A.
Stimson's 100th Birthday on April 23, 2009, at the Wellsville, New York,
Manor Hills facility; attending this joyous celebration where guests
from the Manor, old friends from the surrounding area, and relatives
from more than 500 miles away; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with his zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of his family and friends; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished man, who has experienced the incredible
joys and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the
stamina and courage to savor a full life, has inspired the lives of his
many friends and family; and
WHEREAS, This beloved senior citizen has enriched the lives of those
around him through his joyous and sincere love for others and through
the quiescent charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of
years; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have witnessed
and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and awesome
achievements of this country during the last century, while themselves
contributing to the growth and excellence of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Richard A. Stimson upon the occasion of celebrating his
100th Birthday; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Richard A. Stimson, Wellsville, New York.