LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to the life and accomplishments of
Merrill Cassell, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his commu-
nity

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, Merrill Cassell of Greenburgh, New York, who was an avid
cyclist and a staunch advocate for safe cycling, died on November 6,
2009; and
WHEREAS, He firmly believed that his community and his State, as well
as the Nation as a whole, needed to repair and modernize its transporta-
tion infrastructure to provide greater bicycle access on all roads and
highways for safer bicycle commuting; and
WHEREAS, He envisioned an America where bicycle paths were created on
all major roads, highways and secondary highways, encouraging bicycle
commuting; and
WHEREAS, Merrill Cassell felt bicycle travel not only offered people
the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors on a minimal budget but also
supported a healthier America; and
WHEREAS, As a member of the Westchester Putnam Bike Walk Alliance,
Merrill Cassell was instrumental in the successful movement to have
Westchester County install bike racks on many of its buses; and
WHEREAS, Merrill Cassell was a man of values and commitment whose
compassion touched countless lives through his work with the UN and
UNICEF; early in his career, he taught over 10,000 Sri Lankans how to
swim; in recognition of his work, the Sri Lanka Consulate in the USA, in
conjunction with the Sri Lanka Association of New York, awarded him the
esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award; and
WHEREAS, After retiring as Budget Director for UNICEF, Merrill Cassell
devoted his time and energies to his two academic passions, further
intellectual inquiry and writing about challenging issues; subsequently,
he created his own website entitled "The Merrill Pages"; and
WHEREAS, A beautiful light in the lives of many, Merrill Cassell's
passionate concern for others motivated people for the good of the
community, making Westchester County a better place for having had him
in its midst; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, Mervyn and Esme Cassell, and
siblings, Christine, Morris, Erin, Noel, Franco, and Winifred, Merrill
Cassell is survived by his wife, Maximilla; his daughter, Tania; son-in-
law, Tim, and two grandchildren, Christopher and Melanie, as well as a
legion of loyal friends and neighbors; and
WHEREAS, Aimed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Merrill Cassell 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 pay
tribute to the life and accomplishments of Merrill Cassell, distin-
guished 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 Merrill Cassell.