Assembly Resolution No. 463

BY: M. of A. Norris

MOURNING the death of Peter Kent Wendel, renowned
civic leader, former president of Wendel Engineers
and devoted member of his community

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; Peter Kent Wendel was one such
individual; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Peter Kent Wendel, noting the
significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Peter "Pete" Wendel, a beloved member of the Niagara County
community and a longtime booster of Western New York, died on Tuesday,
March 16, 2021, at the age of 88; and

WHEREAS, Born in Lockport, New York, on May 24, 1932, Peter Wendel
is the son of Leon H. Wendel and Ethel (Bundy) Wendel; he graduated from
Lockport High School in 1950, and went on to the University of Michigan,
where he earned a degree in civil engineering in 1954; and

WHEREAS, Peter Wendel and the former Jane Harry, whom he met while
in Ann Arbor, Michigan, were united in marriage on April 2, 1955; and

WHEREAS, After three years as an engineering officer in the United
States Navy, Peter Wendel returned to Lockport and joined Wendel
Engineers, his father's engineering firm which serves government,
private and industrial clients throughout Western New York; and

WHEREAS, As President from the mid-1970s until 1990, Peter Wendel
transformed the company from a land surveying and municipal engineering
group that employed 12, to a nationally recognized firm with 15 offices
and more than 400 employees; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, his philosophical approach to management and
his personal style greatly contributed to the success the firm enjoys
today; and

WHEREAS, After stepping down from Wendel Engineers, Peter Wendel
became a business consultant and life transition coach for an array of
businesses in Western New York; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Peter Wendel was an instrumental member of many regional
organizations, including the Rotary Club of Lockport, UB Center for
Entrepreneurial Leadership, Leadership Niagara, Niagara County Community
College Scholarship Foundation, Red Cross of Eastern Niagara County,
Eastern Niagara United Way, Lockport Chamber of Commerce, Kenan Center,
and the Kenan Youth Hockey Association; and

WHEREAS, Peter Wendel has been the proud recipient of such honors as
Citizen of the Year by the Lockport-Eastern Niagara Area Chamber of
Commerce and the Lockport Jaycees' Distinguished Service Award; and

WHEREAS, In his free time, Peter Wendel could be found on Lake
Ontario, where he loved to sail; a former Commodore at Olcott Yacht
Club, he was also a board member of the Lake Yacht Racing Association
(LYRA); and

WHEREAS, Whether it was in business, management or sailing, Peter
Wendel truly believed in keeping an eye on the horizon; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his wife of 65 years, Peter Wendel is
survived by his sister, Lynn Copp; his children, Tim Wendel (Jacqueline
Salmon), Susan (Richard) Och, Chris Wendel (Janie McNabb), Bryan Wendel
(Wendy Scinta) and Amy (Jeff) Foster; as well as 11 grandchildren and
three great-grandchildren; he is predeceased by his son Eric, who died
in 1973; and

WHEREAS, Peter Wendel's infinite selflessness and benevolence will
shine on through his family's vivid and happy memories; his insight and
strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to the
countless lives he touched; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Peter Wendel leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all who
were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; he will be
deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative
Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Peter Kent Wendel, 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 Peter Kent Wendel.