LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of former Senator Owen H.
Johnson, one of New York State's longest serving lawmakers and noted
community leader

WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; and
WHEREAS, Our local government, our State and our country have endured
and been made strong by generations of Americans who felt a sense of
responsibility to their community, to one another and to their families;
and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body wishes to express its sincerest sorrow
upon the occasion of the death of former New York State Senator Owen H.
Johnson, recognizing his distinguished record of public service as a
representative for the people of the 4th Senate District; he died on
December 24, 2014, at the age of 85; and
WHEREAS, Born on July 3, 1929, Owen H. Johnson, a resident of the Town
of Babylon, proudly served his country as a member of the United States
Marines from 1946-1948; and
WHEREAS, After being honorably discharged, Owen H. Johnson attended
Hofstra College, graduating in 1956 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in
History-Political Science; in 1998, he was recognized by his alumna
mater with a distinguished Honorary Doctor of Laws degree; and
WHEREAS, Senator Owen H. Johnson began his illustrious political
career with the New York State Senate in 1973; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his 40 years of distinguished service, represent-
ing the people in the Town of Babylon and Islip in Suffolk County,
Senator Owen H. Johnson sponsored legislation which created New York's
environmental protection fund; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Senator Owen H. Johnson helped to establish New
York State's adoption registry, to secure funds to construct the inde-
pendent league baseball stadium in Islip (home of the Long Island
Ducks), and to create New York's Oak Bush Plains State Preserve in
Suffolk County; and
WHEREAS, In 2003, Senator Owen H. Johnson was appointed Chairman of
the Senate Finance Committee; in this capacity, he led the role of
reviewing the Governor's budget proposal and developing the Senate
Majority Conference's priorities for the state budget; and
WHEREAS, As Finance Committee Chairman, he also served as a member of
the New York State Public Authorities Control Board and was co-Chairman
of the Legislative Audit Committee; he was also Chairman of the Senate
Subcommittee on the Long Island Marine District; a Commissioner of the
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission; and Vice-Chair of the
Legislative Commission on Government Administration; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his outstanding career as a New York State
Senator, Owen H. Johnson chaired the committees on Transportation, Envi-
ronmental Conservation, Social Services and Civil Service and Pensions;
and
WHEREAS, On the National level, Senator Owen H. Johnson was a Past
National Chairman, and a National Director of the American Legislative
Exchange Council, the nation's largest individual membership organiza-
tion of state legislators; and
WHEREAS, In honor of his extraordinary career, in 1995, Owen H. John-
son was the first recipient of ALEC's "Lifetime Leadership Award," which
was created to recognize those members who helped shape the organiza-
tion; and

WHEREAS, With a strong public spirit, Owen H. Johnson was a member of
Cross of Christ Lutheran Church; he is survived by his wife, Christel;
two children, Owen H. R. Johnson and Chirsten R. E. (Danny) Tymann; two
grandchildren, Eliza and Scarlett; and two brothers, Herbert and John;
as well as one sister, Sigrid; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon
its records this tribute to the memory of Senator Owen H. Johnson, that
future generations may know and appreciate his admirable character, his
many benevolent deeds, and the respect and esteem in which he was held;
he will be deeply missed by all he served and befriended; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of former Senator Owen H. Johnson, and to express its
deepest condolences to his family; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Owen H. Johnson.