LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION expressing sincerest sorrow upon the occasion of
the death of William R. Town, distinguished mentor, loving husband, and
loyal friend

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize those
individuals of preeminent character whose lives exemplified the highest
ideals of humanity and whose lifework and civic endeavor served to
enhance the quality of life in their communities and this great Empire
State; and
WHEREAS, William Richard Town, a notable educator and a vital,
contributing figure in his community, died on Sunday, January 17, 2010,
at the age of 67; and
WHEREAS, Born on July 29, 1942, in Albany, New York, William R. Town
was the son of the late Tom B. and Minnie Saur Town; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Albany High School, William R. Town went on to
receive both his bachelor's and master's degrees from the State Univer-
sity of New York at Albany; and
WHEREAS, A favorite among countless students, William R. Town retired
in 1995 after teaching biology and chemistry at Shenendehowa High School
in Clifton Park, New York, for 26 years; he was a mentor to many, some-
times with wit and playfulness, but always with love; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Town, who always made learning fun, provided a tremendous
service to the future of our State and Nation, inspiring countless
students in their academic journeys and ensuring their success in their
future years; and
WHEREAS, During his esteemed tenure, he was instrumental in establish-
ing both a high school research club that later became the Paludiologi-
cal Society, Inc., and the campus-wide Amos Eaton Arboretum; and
WHEREAS, A resident of the Town of Schaghticoke since 1989, William R.
Town was passionate about teaching the love of science to children of
all ages; he especially enjoyed performing chemistry demonstrations in
his driveway on Halloween; and
WHEREAS, As a member of the American Chemical Society, he developed a
one-hour chemical demonstration program, which later became known as the
Chem Magic Show presented at the New York State Museum, area schools and
the Schaghticoke Fair; and
WHEREAS, William R. Town epitomized the principle by which he lived,
"get involved"; as a master gardener, he was member of the Albany Men's
Garden Club, and former Mayor of Schaghticoke; he also volunteered at
Oakwood Cemetery, the Center for the Disabled in Albany, and Hoosic
Valley Elementary School; and
WHEREAS, William R. Town was a man of values and commitment, whose
warm smile and true compassion motivated people for the good of his
community; the Town of Schaghticoke is a better place for having had him
in its midst; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents Tom B. and Minnie Saur Town,
William R. Town is survived by his loving wife, Marilou Pudiak-Town;
best pal, Skeeter; two brothers, Thomas (Pearl Johnson) Town and Kenneth
(Jane) Town; and several nieces and nephews, as well as a legion of
friends; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, William R. Town leaves
behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will
remain as a comforting memory to all he served, taught and befriended;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize the life and accomplishments of William R. Town, recognizing

the significance of his service to all of his students and the citizens
of his community, and expressing its deepest condolences to his family;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of William R. Town.