LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to the life and accomplishments of
World War II veteran and former New York State Assemblyman Frank A.
Walkley

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, Frank A. Walkley of Castile, New York, who served in the New
York State Assembly representing Wyoming County from 1964 to 1972, died
on Saturday, June 6, 2009, at the age of 87; and
WHEREAS, Frank Walkley was born in Oneida and lived in Castile for
almost all of his life; he graduated from Castile High School and earned
Bachelor's degrees in Agriculture and Economics from Cornell University
in 1943; and
WHEREAS, During World War II, Frank Walkley enlisted in the United
States Navy and trained in the classified "Beach Jumper Unit" before
being shipped to the Pacific Theater and stationed in the Philippines;
he was honorably discharged in 1946, having attained the rank of Lieu-
tenant; and
WHEREAS, After the war, Frank Walkley returned home to Castile,
married his wife, the former Margaret "Pat" Curtis, and began working on
the family dairy farm and apple orchard with his father; he also estab-
lished both the Walkley Farm Equipment Company and the G. L. F. Agency
in Castile with his father; and
WHEREAS, After Frank Walkley took ownership of the family farm, he
began his career in public service; his first stint was serving as
Castile's Justice of the Peace, and he later served as Town Supervisor
for two terms; and
WHEREAS, In 1964, Frank Walkley was elected to the New York State
Assembly, where he served until 1972; that year, he was appointed State
Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets, a job he held until 1975; and
WHEREAS, Frank Walkley was then appointed State Executive Director of
Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation Services; he retired from
that position in 1988; and
WHEREAS, During retirement, Frank Walkley honed his skills as a wood-
worker and built kitchen cabinets in the Castile Youth/Scout building;
over the years, he and his wife, Margaret, volunteered for Habitat for
Humanity in Americus, Georgia, and Homeland Ministries in several cities
around the United States; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his wife of 63 years, Frank Walkley is
survived by his children, Frank, Sarah, Jennifer, Donna and Margaret, as
well as 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, and his two
sisters, Glen and Betty; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Frank Walkley 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 pay
tribute to the life and accomplishments of World War II veteran and
former New York State Assemblyman Frank A. Walkley; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Frank A. Walkley.