LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Robert J. Kirkpatrick Jr.,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

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, Robert J. Kirkpatrick Jr. of Newburgh, New York, died on
April 16, 2015, at the age of 87; and
WHEREAS, Born on May 4, 1927, Robert J. Kirkpatrick Jr. was proud to
be a lifelong resident of Newburgh and would often speak of the history
associated with the town he loved so dearly; and
WHEREAS, At the age of 17, Robert J. Kirkpatrick Jr. enlisted in the
United States Navy, proudly serving his country while stationed aboard
the USS Shangri-La; and
WHEREAS, In 1965, this esteemed man married Linda Jean Case, and
together they established an appraisal company, working side by side for
many years; and
WHEREAS, Robert J. Kirkpatrick Jr. distinguished himself in his
profession and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to
the welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, With a sense of civic responsibility, Robert J. Kirkpatrick
Jr. entered town politics, gaining election as Councilman in the Town
of Newburgh in 1972, and Supervisor of the Town of Newburgh in 1984; and
WHEREAS, During a political career lasting nearly two decades, Robert
J. Kirkpatrick Jr. was instrumental in numerous successful improvements
for the town including the addition of sewer services and the
construction of a post office for the town; and
WHEREAS, Robert J. Kirkpatrick Jr. is responsible for coining the
phrase "Crossroads of the Northeast"; he was tireless in his efforts to
promote business development and increased employment in Newburgh, while
still maintaining the delicate environmental balance of the town and
preserving the rural and affordable lifestyle it offered; and
WHEREAS, An avid fisherman, Robert J. Kirkpatrick Jr. enjoyed casting
his lines for trout on the Esopus Creek where he spent weekends with his
family in Mount Tremper; he also enjoyed fishing and ice fishing in
Orange Lake and Chadwick Lake; and
WHEREAS, Following his retirement, Robert J. Kirkpatrick Jr. fulfilled
a lifelong dream of flying; he obtained his pilot's license, and would
take friends and loved ones on trips in his Piper Warrior airplane; and
WHEREAS, Robert J. Kirkpatrick Jr.'s commitment to excellence, and his
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, includ-
ing charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his father, Robert J. Kirkpatrick, Sr., and
his aunt and uncle, Gertrude and Irving Avery, Robert J. Kirkpatrick Jr.
is survived by his wife of 50 years, Linda; three children, Lynne Lewis
(Bobby), Robert J. Kirkpatrick, III (Toni) and K.C. Kirkpatrick
(Christy); and two grandsons, Cameron Kirkpatrick and Robert J. Kirkpa-
trick, IV; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Robert J. Kirkpatrick Jr. 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 Robert J. Kirkpatrick Jr. distinguished 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 Robert J. Kirkpatrick Jr.