LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Norman D. Rees, 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, Norman D. Rees of Hillcrest, New York, died on Wednesday,
June 2, 2010, at the age of 83; and
WHEREAS, Born the son of Horace and Ella Rees on November 21, 1926, in
Hancock, New York, Norman D. Rees graduated from Hancock Central School
in 1944 where upon he enlisted in the United States Navy and served
honorably on the U.S.S. Boxer (CV-21) as a proud Plank owner until his
honorable discharge in 1946; and
WHEREAS, Norm, as his friends called him, married the love of his
life, Jeanne A. Shepardson, on July 31, 1949; after more than 57 years
together, Jeanne paved the road to heaven for Norm on July 13, 2007; and
WHEREAS, Norman D. Rees distinguished himself in his profession and by
his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, After settling in Hillcrest, Norman D. Rees worked as an
Office Manager for Mass Mutual Life Insurance for 35 years before retir-
ing in 1982; he then worked for the William M. Benedict Insurance Agency
part-time from 1982 to 1992 before hanging up the typewriter and office
keys for good; and
WHEREAS, Norman D. Rees' commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, A member of the Ogden Hillcrest United Methodist Church,
Norman D. Rees was a Sunday school teacher and served as the Sunday
School Superintendent for a number of years; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Norman D. Rees was an active member of the Hill-
crest Community Association and served two terms as its President and
was presented its Man of the Year Award; and
WHEREAS, Norman D. Rees is survived by three children, Marilyn (Greg)
Berleue; Edward (Margarita) Rees; and Roberta (Rick) Libous; six grand-
children, Michael Barsham, Kelly Barsham (Eric Johnson), Ryan Rees,
Jessica Rees, William Libous, and Peter Libous; and five great-grand-
children, Aaron Barsham, Evan Johnson, Madison Barsham, Ethan Johnson
and Quinton Kipp; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws
and his dear friends Stan and Betty Charlier; and
WHEREAS, Norman D. Rees loved his God, his family, Big Band music, the
Washington Redskins and the NY Mets; described by his many friends, he
was the most honest, kind, gentle and ethical man they knew; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Norman D. Rees 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 Norman D. Rees, 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 Norman D. Rees.