LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating the life of John W. Meredith of
Walton, New York as he is honored posthumously for his service to his
community on May 7, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to mourn publicly the
death of cherished citizens of the State of New York whose life and
endeavors testify to their commitment to, and love of, their family,
their work, and their community; and
WHEREAS, It is with deep regret that this Legislative Body records the
passing of John W. Meredith, a lifelong resident of Walton, New York who
passed away on October 26, 2009, at age 29, following a short illness;
and
WHEREAS, John W. Meredith will be honored posthumously for his service
to his community at a celebration of his life to be held on Friday, May
7, 2010; and
WHEREAS, The son of William Daniel and Diane Avenia Meredith, John
Meredith was born November 14, 1979, in Walton; and
WHEREAS, He was a 1998 graduate of Walton Central School and earned a
Bachelor of Arts degree in government from Western New England College
(WNEC) in Springfield, Massachusetts, where he was awarded the presti-
gious SKOOKUM Award during his junior year and was an intern for the
Governor of Massachusetts in his senior year; and
WHEREAS, After completing his undergraduate degree, John returned home
to Walton and worked at Tyco Pharmaceuticals in Hobart and, in 2007,
earned a Master of Public Administration degree from Binghamton Univer-
sity; and
WHEREAS, In 2003, John Meredith was elected the Town of Walton Super-
visor and was re-elected to two additional terms; he also served on the
Delaware County Board of Supervisors and was the Delaware County Budget
Director; in addition to his official duties, he served as Vice Presi-
dent of the Catskill Watershed Coalition; and
WHEREAS, John Meredith was, additionally, a valued and faithful member
of the First United Methodist Church of Walton where he served as Presi-
dent of the Board of Trustees; he was also an active member and Vice
President of the Sons of Norway Norseman Lodge; and
WHEREAS, Though John Meredith wore many hats, he thoroughly enjoyed
his time on earth, living his life in Walton and enjoying simple pleas-
ures such as his cherished Cadillac (DW 9) pickup truck, country music,
tending his beef cattle, hanging out at the Country Store and the Walton
Bowling Alley, playing cards, and having lively conversations with his
many friends; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his paternal grandparents, William and Adele
Larsen Meredith; his cousin, Inga Allen; and his uncle, Robert Allen,
John Meredith is survived by his parents; his brothers, William (Billy)
and Patrick; his maternal grandparents, George and Elizabeth Avenia; his
aunts and uncles, Lynn Allen, Judy and Brian Harrington, Michael and
Tami Avenia and Anthony Avenia; his cousins, Meredith and Eric Johans-
son, Lauren and Morgan Avenia, Megan and Nicholas Avenia and Inga,
Gunnar, Eric and Kiersten; several great-aunts and great-uncles and
second cousins and a legion of friends who, like his family, returned
his love in overflowing measure; and
WHEREAS, Over his all too brief but meritorious life, John Meredith
distinguished himself as a man of sincere dedication and substantial
contribution; as a man of values and commitment, he inspired and
enhanced the lives of his family, friends and colleagues who will long
treasure his memory; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to the memory of John W. Meredith, to celebrate his life, and to
applaud his many accomplishments as he is honored posthumously for his
service to his community at a ceremony to be held on May 7, 2010; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of John W. Meredith.