Senate Resolution No. 3353

BY: Senator FUNKE

COMMENDING Gary Mervis upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the
highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New
York State Senate

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those individuals within the Empire State who have made
strong contributions to their communities and who inspire others through
their model citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Gary Mervis has given not only of his time and energies but
also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently has
been designated for special honor; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Gary
Mervis upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty
Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York
State Senate; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, Growing up in a modest city neighborhood, Gary Mervis
overcame much adversity, including a life altering car accident, to
become a teacher and coach before moving on to work in state government;
regardless of the circumstances he always challenged himself to excel;
and

WHEREAS, In 1979, Gary Mervis lost his daughter Elizabeth "Teddy"
Mervis to cancer at the age of 12; he was determined to turn this
personal tragedy into something positive; and

WHEREAS, After witnessing other children who needed a measure of
normal activity in their lives while undergoing treatment, this
extraordinary man was instrumental in developing a summer camp for
children with cancer; volunteers from across the community rallied
behind his tenacious work ethic to build the facility, Camp Good Days,
on Keuka Lake; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, Camp Good Days has expanded its free
services to include weeks for children with sickle cell anemia, children
who have experienced violence and women going through breast cancer, as
well as a week for men with prostate cancer; additionally, during
international week, children arrive from all over the world; and

WHEREAS, Truly devoting his life's work to bringing awareness to
families fighting cancer, Gary Mervis has had an immeasurable impact on
his community and has enriched the lives of countless children and
adults; and

WHEREAS, Gary Mervis has earned the respect of his peers through his
steadfast and unwavering leadership, dedication and commitment to
serving those with cancer and other life challenges; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Gary Mervis has displayed
throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Gary Mervis upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the
New York State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Gary Mervis.