LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating the life and accomplishments of Leo
A. Hopkins, Sr., distinguished citizen and devoted member of his commu-
nity

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 the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Labor unions, through the integrity and dedication of their
leadership, have assumed an essential and integral role in ensuring the
welfare, safety and economic stability of the workers of this State and
Nation; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the efforts of those individuals who distinguish themselves in
service to the cause of working men and women in the State of New York;
and
WHEREAS, Leo A. Hopkins, Sr. of Grand Isle, New York, a retired labor
leader with Local 17 of the International Union of Operating Engineers,
died on January 28, 2009, at the age of 74 at Kenmore Mercy Hospital;
and
WHEREAS, Born on April 3, 1934, in Buffalo, New York, Leo A. Hopkins,
Sr. graduated from Riverside High School; and
WHEREAS, Joining Local 17 of the International Union of Operating
Engineers in 1951, Leo A. Hopkins, Sr. served as business agent and an
officer in Locals 17, 17a, 17b, and 17c from 1966 until 1971; in 1974,
he was elected business manager of Local 17 and all its branches, a
position he held until his retirement in 1992; and
WHEREAS, Remembered by his fellow union members for his commitment to
enhancing the working and living conditions for union members and their
families, Leo A. Hopkins, Sr. believed that benefits were just as impor-
tant as hourly wages; he helped negotiate contracts in which union
members set aside portions of their pay raises to fund their supple-
mental unemployment fund, health and welfare benefits, and pension
plans; and
WHEREAS, To this day, hundreds of Local 17 members have pensions they
can live on because of the efforts of Leo A. Hopkins, Sr.; and
WHEREAS, A fixture at Grand Isle Town Board meetings, Leo A. Hopkins,
Sr. is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, the former Elizabeth L.
Elmlinger; and
WHEREAS, Leo A. Hopkins, Sr. is also survived by a daughter, Kathleen
Pratt; three sons, Leo, Thomas, and James; and a brother, Thomas; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life and accomplishments of Leo A. Hopkins, Sr., distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Leo A. Hopkins, Sr.