LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Wayde F. Earl, distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Wayde F. Earl of Lake George, New York, died on August 22,
2009, at the age of 89; and
WHEREAS, Born in Gloversville, New York, on May 24, 1920, Wayde F.
Earl is the son of Mildred (Foote) Earl and Jay R. Earl Sr.; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Lake George Union School, Wayde F. Earl
attended St. Lawrence University prior to enlisting in the United States
Army where he proudly served for four years during World War II; he was
honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant with the Anti-Aircraft Forces
in the Pacific theatre; and
WHEREAS, Along with his brother and father, Wayde F. Earl operated
J.R. Earl and Sons, Inc. at the intersection of Canada Street and
McGillis Avenue in Lake George for many years; the successful business
included a hardware store, electrical contracting business, Shell gaso-
line station and a Ford automobile dealership; and
WHEREAS, While in the hardware business, Wayde F. Earl was elected to
the Board of Directors of the New York State Retail Hardware Associ-
ation; later, he moved the Earl's Servistar Hardware Store to Montcalm
Street with his son, John; more recently, he was well known for his
reminisces of the electrical work and appliance installations he did at
homes up and down the shores of Lake George; and
WHEREAS, Like his father, Wayde F. Earl became active in community
affairs and served in several offices in local government including the
Lake George Village Board, Lake George Town Supervisor, and 17 years as
Lake George Village Justice; he was also the President of the Warren
County Magistrates Association for several years; and
WHEREAS, While Supervisor, Wayde F. Earl spearheaded the town's
purchase of the old County Court House, for which he received the Motor
Court Association Community Service Award in 1968, for his dedication to
the preservation of this historic building; during the same time period,
he served for several years as President and Director of the Lake George
Historical Association, of which he was later made an honorary member;
and
WHEREAS, Wayde F. Earl was a 64-year member of American Legion Post
374 during which time he held numerous offices including Post, Warren
County, and 4th District Commander, and appointments to several State
and National Committees; and
WHEREAS, On October 1, 1950, Wayde F. Earl joined the Lake George
Volunteer Fire Department; he was the first member elected to the posi-
tion of President after the department was incorporated in 1967; in
1979, his commitment was recognized when he was chosen to receive the
Phil Wood Award, the department's highest distinction for service and
dedication; and
WHEREAS, Wayde F. Earl carried this local involvement to a higher
level with his activities in the Hudson Valley Volunteer Firemen's Asso-
ciation, where he rose to the office of President from 1980 to 1981, and
the Firemen's Association of the State of New York, where he served 10
years as a Trustee of the Firemen's Home in Hudson; and
WHEREAS, Additionally, Wayde F. Earl chaired the local Convention
Committee for many HVVFA conventions held in Lake George; he was a life
member of FASNY and a member of the NYS Association of Fire Chaplains;

moreover, he was a charter member of both the Post 374 American Legion
Lake George Emergency Squad (Lake George EMS) and the Lake George Rotary
Club; and
WHEREAS, Wayde F. Earl belonged to several Masonic orders and had
achieved 60 plus years of membership in the Masons; he was an active
member of Warrensburgh Lodge 425 and Chapter 325 Royal Arc Masons, as
well as past Master of St. Sacrament Lodge 1029 and past District Depu-
ty; he was also a member of Glens Falls Elks Lodge No. 81 and a past
trustee and an elder of the Caldwell Presbyterian Church in Lake George;
and
WHEREAS, Wayde F. Earl was passionate about many things; he was a
member of the Circus Fans of America (CFA), President of the local
"Tent", and would travel great distances to enjoy a circus and the
company of CFA friends; he and his wife developed many friendships with
animal trainers and other performers, and they enjoyed visiting with
them and watching their performances across the country; and
WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, Wayde F. Earl distinguished
himself in his profession and by his sincere dedication and substantial
contribution to the welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents and brother, Jay R. Earl Jr.,
Wayde F. Earl is survived by his wife of 63 years, Margaret; his two
sons, John Earl (Edrie Squires) and Todd Earl (Rosemarie); two daugh-
ters, Nancy Earl, Betsy Earl Bogen (Hank); and his four grandchildren,
John Earl II, Hanna Bogen, Julie Bogen and Margaret "Maggie" Earl; as
well as his niece, Jorja Halstead, and his nephew, Jay S. Earl (Lisa);
and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Wayde F. Earl leaves
behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will
remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Wayde F. Earl, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Wayde F. Earl.