2011-J696
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Baxter Ball, distinguished
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, Baxter Ball of Dewitt, New York died on February 14, 2011, at
the age of 64; and
WHEREAS, Baxter Ball studied history at Kenyon College in Gambier,
Ohio and went on to receive his master's degree from Bowling Green State
University; and
WHEREAS, Baxter Ball distinguished himself in his profession and by
his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, As Head of School at Manlius Pebble Hill School in DeWitt
since 1990, and before that as Head of the Upper School at the Albany
Academy, in Albany, New York, Baxter Ball, made significant improvements
at both of the schools and in all of the lives he touched; and
WHEREAS, Under Baxter Ball's luminous leadership at Manlius Pebble
Hill School, enrollment surged and the campus grew from one building to
four; he established a robust performing arts department and was one of
the first schools in the area to offer Chinese language instruction; and
WHEREAS, Baxter Ball was a visionary and a great believer in the
potential of all students; he was an advocate for students and a defen-
der of their dreams; and
WHEREAS, Mover of both American and European history and art, Baxter
Ball shared his passion for history with the students of Manlius Pebble
Hill School and taught classes about the school's history to its
students; and
WHEREAS, Baxter Ball was an avid reader, he knew a great deal about
antiques and found great joy in collecting memorabilia from the old
Manlius school; and
WHEREAS, Baxter Ball is survived by his loving wife, Christiane, and
his three wonderful children, Donald, Jonathan and Rebecca; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Baxter Ball 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 Baxter Ball, 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 Baxter Ball.