LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Don Hines, distinguished
citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative
Body records the passing of Don Hines, noting the significance of his
purposeful life and accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Don Hines, of Marathon, New York, died on Monday, June 18,
2012, at the age of 66; and
WHEREAS, The son of the late Donald R. and Myrtle "Tiny" Hines, Don
Hines was born in Cortland, New York, the middle son among five chil-
dren; he graduated from Marathon High School in 1963; and
WHEREAS, Don Hines distinguished himself in his profession and by his
sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of his
community; and
WHEREAS, Don Hines retired from State University of New York Cortland
as Supervisor in Computing Operations in 1999 after 34 years; he contin-
ued to work after retirement as a school bus driver for the Marathon
Central School District, and was employed by AC Baker and Nichols Funer-
al Homes as well; and
WHEREAS, Don Hines's commitment to excellence and his spirit of human-
ity carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charitable and
civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, An enthusiastic and active lifelong resident of Marathon, New
York, Don Hines served his community in several capacities; he was a
proud member of the Marathon Fire Department for an extraordinary 49
years, serving as Chief twice, from 1976 to 1979, and then from 1982 to
1983, in addition to being the department's Volunteer Fire Code inspec-
tor from 1967 to 2000; and
WHEREAS, Don Hines served on the Town of Marathon Town Board as a
Councilman, was the Deputy Fire Coordinator for Cortland County, and was
a member of the Board of the Marathon Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps;
and
WHEREAS, Don Hines also was a charter member of the Central New York
Maple Festival committee, and Past General Chairman of the Maple
Festival Pageant Committee; as a result of his cheerful labor as regular
pancake batter mixer for the festival, he was made recipient of the
esteemed Engraved Batter Bowl; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his brother, Edward, and stepfather, Earl
Fritts, Don Hines is survived by his wife of 43 years, Shirley; son,
Christopher (Cheryl) and granddaughter, Kaitlin Osborne; brothers, Ralph
(Lori) Hines, and Bill Fritts; sister, Colette Fritts; brother-in-law,
Gene (Sally) Smith; and sister-in-law, Debbie (Alan) Webb; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Don Hines 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 Don Hines, 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 Don Hines.