LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to the life and accomplishments of
former New York State Assemblyman H. Robert Nortz

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that the quality and
character of life in this great Empire State is indelibly enriched by
the faithful and caring efforts of those who devote their lives to
public service; and
WHEREAS, Former New York State Assemblyman H. Robert Nortz, who demon-
strated enormous and repeated efforts to make his State and the communi-
ties he represented a much better place in which to live, work and raise
a family, died on Thursday, December 4, 2008, at the age of 76; and
WHEREAS, H. Robert Nortz was born in Lowville, New York, to Henry N.
Nortz and Mildred Ulrich Nortz; he was educated in Lowville schools and
graduated from Lowville Academy in 1950; and
WHEREAS, Continuing with his education, H. Robert Nortz graduated from
Hobart College in Geneva, New York, in 1954; while attending Hobart, he
served as junior class president, and president of both the Orange Key
and the Phi Beta Phi honor societies; and
WHEREAS, He was a private first class in the Army Reserve when he
entered the regular United States Army in August of that same year; upon
the completion of his military service, H. Robert Nortz returned to
Lowville, New York, and joined his father at his father's Ford auto
dealership, Nortz and Virkler, Inc., and was active as a part owner for
many years; and
WHEREAS, On December 28, 1957, H. Robert Nortz married the former
Beverly Ann Henderson of Watertown, at Asbury United Methodist Church;
and
WHEREAS, He began his political career in 1964 when he served as a
county committeeman from Lowville, New York, and the campaign finance
chairman; four years later, he was elected as county chairman; and
WHEREAS, In 1977, H. Robert Nortz was first elected to the New York
State Assembly; throughout his 26 years of state service, he became an
effective voice for Jefferson and Lewis counties until his retirement on
April 27, 2002; and
WHEREAS, With his lengthy tenure, H. Robert Nortz rose through the
ranks, serving as assistant minority whip for numerous years and ranking
minority member of the Committee on Standing Committees; he also served
on the Ways and Means Committee, the Reapportionment Task Force and
committees on Consumer Protection, Housing, Child Care, and Elections;
and
WHEREAS, First and primarily concerned with the well-being of his
constituents, H. Robert Nortz supported many programs that helped to
improve the economy of both the State and the North Country, to reduce
taxes, and to protect the region's share of State aid to schools; and
WHEREAS, Known first as a real people person, H. Robert Nortz was able
to recall the names of many, which earned him the respect and admiration
of those he served so capably and with such dedication for almost three
decades; furthermore, he was known by his listeners for his exceptional
story telling; at almost every event and almost every conversation, he
had an interesting and captivating tale to tell; and
WHEREAS, With a strong belief in his community, H. Robert Nortz served
as chairman of the Lewis County American Red Cross Chapter, a member of
the Lowville Elks Lodge and Lewis County Masonic Lodge 134, and chairman
of the Lowville Housing Authority; and
WHEREAS, He was also a member of the Media Shrine of Watertown and
Lowville First Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, H. Robert Nortz served on the advisory board of the Lowville
branch of the then-National Bank of Northern New York, and as a director
of the Black River-St. Lawrence Planning Commission; and
WHEREAS, In August of 1982, H. Robert Nortz was elected to the advi-
sory board of directors of Key Bank of Northern New York; in December of
1987, he and seven other members of the Northern New York Division Board
of Key Bank became directors of the Central New York Key Bank Board; and
WHEREAS, A man of integrity with a great sense of humor and deep love
for the North Country and its people, H. Robert Nortz is survived by his
wife, Beverly H. Nortz; three sons, Nicholas W. Nortz, Scott R. Nortz,
and Bradley E. Nortz; and two brothers, W. Peter Nortz and John U.
Nortz; as well as four grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, H. Robert Nortz 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 former New York State Assemblyman H. Robert Nortz;
remembering his purposeful life and distinguished career of 26 years of
public service on behalf of the citizens of Jefferson and Lewis counties
and the State of New York, and extending its sincere condolences to his
family; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of H. Robert Nortz.