LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Ed Aspinall posthumously upon the occa-
sion of receiving the Lifetime Service Award from the Hudson Valley Area
Labor Federation

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the efforts of those individuals who distinguished themselves in
service to the cause of working men and women in the State of New York;
and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Ed
Aspinall posthumously upon the occasion of receiving the Lifetime
Service Award from the Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation at its Third
Annual Labor Heroes Celebration to be held on Friday, January 16, 2009,
at the Meadowbrook in New Windsor, New York; and
WHEREAS, Ed Aspinall dedicated his life to family, organized labor,
social and economic justice; for more than 40 years he was on the front
lines of all efforts to build a better society; and
WHEREAS, Born in Brooklyn, raised in the Hudson Valley, Ed Aspinall
married his High School love, Virginia (Ginger) Larish; they had recent-
ly celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary; beyond Ginger, the light
of Ed's life was his family, daughter Michelle, her husband Chris Dodig,
their two children Erin and Grace, and his daughter Jonelyn; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Ed Aspinall enjoyed traveling and reading,
attended many Broadway plays and served as President of the Catskill
Ballet Theater; and
WHEREAS, From this strong family and cultural base, Ed Aspinall
brought deep commitment and high energy to building and strengthening
the Hudson Valley, Statewide and National labor movements; and
WHEREAS, With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from SUNY New Paltz,
additional work through Cornell Labor Studies, graduate work in public
administration (SUNYA), Ed Aspinall served in many capacities including:
15 years with the International Ladies Garment Workers, Director of the
Industrial Department of NYS AFL-CIO and Community Boards, Hudson Valley
Labor Council, Rapid Response to layoffs, education and training; he
then managed Workforce Intelligence for the Workforce Development Insti-
tute (WDI); and
WHEREAS, While being active in such an overwhelming number of activ-
ities, Ed Aspinall always took time to teach younger labor activists and
colleagues and will forever be remembered as a great mentor and friend;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Ed Aspinall posthumously upon the occasion of receiving the Life-
time Service Award from the Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Ed Aspinall.