LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating the life of Auburn, New York archi-
tect Wallace P. Beardsley, Jr.

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to mourn publicly the
death of cherished citizens of the State of New York who distinguished
themselves in their profession and whose life and endeavors testify to
their commitment to, and love of, their family and their community; and
WHEREAS, It is with deep regret that this Legislative Body records the
passing of Wallace Pearne Beardsley, Jr., of Auburn, New York, on April
15, 2012, at age 87, noting the loss of a citizen whose purposeful life
and endeavors contributed so much to his profession and to the quality
of life of his family and his community; and
WHEREAS, Wallace P. Beardsley was born in Auburn to Wallace Pearne
Beardsley, Sr. and Mildred Peck Beardsley; he graduated from Auburn East
High School where he competed in track and tennis and was President of
the Class of 1942; an Eagle Scout, he participated in all parts of Boy
Scouting from Cub Scouts through Sea Scouts, later becoming a Boy Scout
Leader; and
WHEREAS, He was a World War II Navy Air Corps veteran, commissioned as
a torpedo bomber pilot and served in the Naval Air Transport Service;
and
WHEREAS, Graduating from Cornell University's College of Architecture,
Wallace Beardsley joined and eventually became partner in the Auburn
architectural firm of Beardsley and Beardsley, which later became
Beardsley, Beardsley, Cowden and Glass Architects and Engineers, and
today is Beardsley Design Associates; he served as both Director and
President of the firm, retiring in 1989 after 40 years of distinguished
service, leaving a visible impression on Auburn and many other central
New York communities; and
WHEREAS, He was a member of the American Institute of Architects and
Director of the Syracuse Chapter; he was licensed in five states includ-
ing New York; in 1961, he was certified by the Corps of Engineers as a
Fallout Shelter Analyst; and he was, in addition, a member of various
national organizations specializing in educational, medical and correc-
tional design; and
WHEREAS, Wallace P. Beardsley designed a number of Auburn's schools
and government buildings, from the original Board of Cooperative Educa-
tional Services building, the first in the state, to the 160 Genesee
Street office building that still serves as the seat of county govern-
ment; and
WHEREAS, He permanently shaped the Auburn community through his work
at Beardsley Design Associates and through his service on a number of
public and private boards; and
WHEREAS, Enjoying skiing, tennis, sailing, rowing and golf, Wallace
Beardsley was a member of the Owasco Yacht Club, the Owasco Country Club
and a charter member of the Skaneateles Ski Club; he had been a member
of Second Presbyterian Church (now Westminster) and the Christian
Science Church, and served as Chairman of the Neighborhood House Board
and Chairman of the Cayuga County Red Cross chapter; and
WHEREAS, Wallace Beardsley followed in his father's footsteps serving
as Chairman of both the Auburn City and Cayuga County Planning Boards,
significantly helping to usher the community through urban renewal in
the 1950s and 1960s; and
WHEREAS, He was also a member of the Seymour Library Board of Direc-
tors and of the boards of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce and the United
Fund; and

WHEREAS, Wallace P. Beardsley is survived by his wife of 65 years,
Marylin Aikman Beardsley; his sons, Wallace P. Beardsley, III and Phil-
lip A. Beardsley and his wife Deborah; his daughter, Carol B. Rivers;
his granddaughter, Ann Elizabeth Rivers; his son-in-law, John R. Rivers;
his brother, David P. Beardsley and his wife Velma; and his sister-in-
law, Eleanor C. Beardsley; he was predeceased by a daughter, Ann Eliza-
beth in 1962, and his brother and partner, James P. Beardsley in 2011;
and
WHEREAS, Over his meritorious life Wallace P. Beardsley distinguished
himself as a man of sincere dedication and substantial contribution;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to the memory of Wallace P. Beardsley, to celebrate his life,
and to honor his many accomplishments; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Wallace P. Beardsley.