LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Oliver C. Hamister, distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative
Body records the passing of Oliver C. Hamister, noting the significance
of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Born in Kenmore, New York, Oliver C. Hamister graduated from
Kenmore High School and served in the United States Navy during World
War II, where he saw action throughout the Pacific Theater aboard the
amphibious command ship USS Mount McKinley; he later earned a bachelor's
degree from the University of Buffalo; and
WHEREAS, After two years in Arizona, Oliver C. Hamister returned to
Western New York to help his brother-in-law operate a Chevrolet dealer-
ship in Cattaraugus, New York; and
WHEREAS, The business became Hamister-Gillogly Chevrolet upon moving
to Union Road in West Seneca, New York; Oliver C. Hamister sold his
interest in 1972 and four years later bought what became Hamister Ponti-
ac in Jamestown, which he operated until 1982; and
WHEREAS, In 1980, Oliver C. Hamister joined his nephew, Mark E. Hamis-
ter, at National Health Care Affiliates, which became one of the
nation's largest health care service providers; and
WHEREAS, Beginning as a partner and investor, Oliver C. Hamister was
named senior vice president administration in 1982, a role he kept until
his retirement in 1995; he remained a partner and director until the
following year, when the company was sold; and
WHEREAS, Oliver C. Hamister believed in giving back to the community
he loved so much and was active in many organizations, including the
Veterans of Foreign Wars, St. Mark's Episcopal Church and the Rotary
Club of Buffalo, where he helped raise funds to build Rotary Rink at Key
Center; and
WHEREAS, Oliver C. Hamister is survived by his wife, Julia; his sons,
Richard and James; his daughter, Lisa Bonebrake; his brother, George;
and nephew, Mark; all of whom felt privileged to be a part of his life
and rejoiced in his many achievements; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Oliver C. Hamister 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 Oliver C. Hamister, 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 Oliver C. Hamister.