Senate Resolution No. 1970

BY: Senator HINCHEY

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of
Sherret Spaulding Chase, renowned conservationist,
professor, scientist, and family man

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 this
great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Sherret S. Chase of Ashokan, New York, died on Monday, June
7, 2021, at the age of 102; and

WHEREAS, Sherret S. Chase distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
prospering of his community and its residents as well as communities
around the globe through his dedicated scientific research and forestry
conservation efforts; and

WHEREAS, After beginning his undergraduate career at the University
of Arizona studying biology, Sherret S. Chase transferred to Yale
University where he earned his degree and started to discover his
passion for botany; and

WHEREAS, Sherret S. Chase later completed his graduate degree in
plant cytology and genetics with a minor in philosophy at Cornell
University; he completed three years of service to his country in the
United States Army Air Corps, before returning to Cornell University
where he received his PhD in 1946; and

WHEREAS, A true trailblazer of scientific research, Sherret S. Chase
earned the nickname "Father of the Double Haploid Method" due to his
discoveries and understanding of this method of plant reproduction and
genetics; and

WHEREAS, In this capacity, Sherret S. Chase's work largely focused
on the production of inbred lines of maize to create more resistant and
prolific varieties of the plant; with the method he is credited for
developing, the timeline for the production of such important strains of
maize are drastically reduced, aiding in creating disease resistant
plants which resultantly helps increase food security for nations and
communities in need; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious career, Sherret S. Chase worked
in a variety of positions, including as an Assistant Professor,
Associate Professor, and Professor at various colleges, as well as a
Research Geneticist at DeKalb Agricultural Association and researcher
through Harvard University Fellowships; and

WHEREAS, Sherret S. Chase was an early leader in the environmental
movement, recognizing the intersection of conservation and a prosperous
local economy as well as the importance of preserving our natural
resources for generations to come; and

WHEREAS, Regarded by his loved ones as his most significant local
achievement, Sherret S. Chase was the founding President of the Catskill
Center for Conservation and Development, the esteemed position he held
for more than 50 years; and

WHEREAS, Under his able leadership, this vital organization was
instrumental in defining and promoting a regional identity which
emphasized protecting itÆs unique environment while fostering compatible
economic growth; and

WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous awards and accolades, Sherret S.
Chase received Iowa State University's first-ever Award for Sustained
Excellence and the Honorary degree of Doctor of Science by Northern
Illinois University for his work in developing the Double Haploid
Method; and

WHEREAS, Sherret S. Chase's legacy is a tribute to hard work, the
importance of education, family, and environmental consciousness; and

WHEREAS, Sherret S. Chase is predeceased by his beloved wife of 69
years, Catherine Ross Compton Chase; his daughter-in-law, Susan Ruth
Page Chase; and his son-in-law, Jeffrey Blair Peters; he is survived by
five children, Catherine Harrington Chase Peters, Helen Kelsey Chase,
Sherret Edwards Chase, Wilson Compton Chase, and Alice Ross Chase
Robeson; as well as eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren;
one past son-in-law and two past daughters-in-law, John R. Long, Lindsay
Chase-Lansdale, and Kathleen Edwards Chase, are also fondly
acknowledged; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Sherret S. Chase 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 Sherret S. Chase, and to express its deepest
condolences to his family and friends; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Sherret S. Chase.