LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Mr. and Mrs. Ralph A. Downey upon
the occasion of their 50th Wedding Anniversary

WHEREAS, Ralph A. Downey and Dawn Sanger were united in marriage on
November 26, 1960, at the Plattsburgh Church of the Nazarene, Platts-
burgh, New York; and
WHEREAS, They are the proud parents of Shelby and Kevin Trombley,
Sheila and Robert Baker, Sherri Gonyea and Mike Schnare, Peter and Tina
Downey, and Travis and Michelle Downey and have 12 grandchildren, Chris-
topher, Matthew, Jenny, Danielle, Chad, Jeremy, James, Scott, Ryan,
Kristy, Tianna and Ashleigh, and six great-grandchildren, Elaina, Kian,
Dominic, Makayla, Savannah and Abigail; and
WHEREAS, On November 26, 2010, Ralph and Dawn Downey joyously cele-
brated their 50th Wedding Anniversary surrounded by family and friends,
including Ralph's 93 year old mother, at a surprise outdoor party hosted
by their children at the home of their daughter Sherri and her husband
Mike; and
WHEREAS, Ralph Downey was employed at Bouyea Bakery and retired from
Brush Tech, Inc.; Dawn Downey worked at Gus' Red Hots and retired from
Arnie's Restaurant after 30 years of dedicated service; and
WHEREAS, Since retiring, Ralph and Dawn Downey happily spend their
summers in Plattsburgh and their winters in Lakeland, Florida, where
they volunteer at the Family Worship Center; and
WHEREAS, Ralph and Dawn Downey are and always have been a tower of
strength, support, understanding and limitless love for their family;
and
WHEREAS, Their love, devotion, caring, sensitivity and responsiveness
to their family, friends and all who know them are their hallmark and
tradition; and
WHEREAS, Ralph and Dawn Downey have lived and continue to live their
lives with great dignity and genuine grace, always demonstrating a deep
and continuing concern for human values and ideals, and in so doing,
they have inspired others to do the same; and
WHEREAS, This meaningful occasion is the result of the love, hard work
and spirit that this couple has invested in their marriage; and
WHEREAS, These same values they have passed to their loved ones,
producing a family that is close-knit and supportive of its individual
members, public-minded in its relations to the community and committed
to the ideals of citizenship upon which this Nation was founded; and
WHEREAS, Ralph and Dawn Downey have touched the lives of their family
and many friends through the shining example of their marriage, which is
a testament to the devotion and admiration which they possess for one
another; and
WHEREAS, The longevity of this enduring marriage truly marks a mile-
stone in life's journey, an event of personal triumph and joy; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when an occa-
sion of such importance is brought to our attention, the same should be
memorialized by us for the edification and emulation of others; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Ralph A. Downey upon the occasion of their
50th Wedding Anniversary; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mr. and Mrs. Ralph A. Downey.