Senate Resolution No. 544

BY: Senator MAY

CELEBRATING the life and accomplishments of former
Assemblyman William Magee, renowned public servant
and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those individuals of outstanding purpose whose lives were
committed to public service and the pursuit of excellence in the conduct
of the legislative process in this noble Empire State; and

WHEREAS, William "Bill" Magee of Nelson, New York, died on Thursday,
December 24, 2020, at the age of 81; and

WHEREAS, The younger of two children born to Donald and Ruth (Hart)
Magee, William Magee resided in the Town of Nelson all his life; the
Magee family operated a small dairy and general store in Erieville, New
York; and

WHEREAS, William Magee was a proud graduate of Cazenovia Central
Schools and Cornell University where he earned a degree in Agricultural
Economics; and

WHEREAS, The former Jeanette Nichols was the love of his life and
the two were united in marriage for 52 years before her death; and

WHEREAS, Prior to serving in the New York State Assembly, William
Magee was on the Madison County Board of Supervisors representing his
town; he also worked at the New York State Fair; and

WHEREAS, While in the Assembly, he served on numerous committees but
was most proud of and respected as the Chair of the Agriculture
Committee; and

WHEREAS, As an Assemblyman for 28 years, William Magee was a leader
in advocacy for his beloved dairy farming families and all sectors of
New York State agriculture industries; and

WHEREAS, He also served as a strong voice in support of education,
volunteer firefighters, rural public health access, transportation
improvements and numerous local and statewide economic development
efforts; and

WHEREAS, William Magee was always at the forefront of protecting his
constituents, fighting for tax reductions, energy cost containment and
eliminating regulatory bureaucratic burdens; his tireless public service
efforts have left an indelible impact upon his district, and the New
York State agriculture industry; and

WHEREAS, William Magee was the epitome of what it means to be a
public servant; he was committed to the welfare of his constituents in
the 121st Assembly District and served as a model Assemblyman since he
always made his best effort to communicate directly with his
constituents; and

WHEREAS, This devoted and loyal man would make time to attend every
meeting, and would help every constituent to the best of his abilities;
he never forgot that the role of an Assemblyman is to serve the
community, State, and Nation; every public servant should aspire to
achieve this level of dedication; and

WHEREAS, Devoted to his community, William Magee was on the Boards
of Crouse Community Center (where he was also a founder), Community
Memorial, and Morrisville College Foundation; furthermore, he was an
auctioneer, where he ran his auctions with well-known humor; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his wife, his parents, and his sister,
Rowena Blazer, William Magee was predeceased by Ruth Ann Schultz, whose
death was he and Jeanette's tragic loss; he is survived by his nieces,
Robin Blazer-Commins (David Commins) and Frances Blazer (Michael
Collins); great-nephews, William Blazer and Daniel Perry; great-niece,
Emma Blazer; brother-in-law, Robert Blazer; and cousin, Nina Mitchell,
as well as countless other cousins and good friends; moreover, former
staff, including Paula O'Brien, Troy Waffner, Christina Nowak, Grace
Rapasadi, Laura Martino, and Kim DiGeorge, all became members of his
family; and

WHEREAS, With his family residing in the Town of Nelson and
surrounding area for well over 150 years, one can only imagine how many
people are lucky enough to count this great man as a relation; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, William Magee 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; he will truly be missed by many; now, therefore,
be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life and accomplishments of former Assemblyman William
Magee, and to express its deepest condolences to his family; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of William Magee.