LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of George H. Champion, distin-
guished 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, George H. Champion, of Glens Falls, New York, died on Monday,
December 14, 2015, at the age of 89; and
WHEREAS, Born on October 8, 1926, in Lake George, New York, George H.
Champion was the son of the late Bertie L. Champion; he grew up in Sara-
toga Springs, New York, where he attended high school, and participated
in football, basketball and track; and
WHEREAS, George H. Champion proudly served his country as a member of
the United States Army during World War II; and
WHEREAS, Following the completion of his military service, George H.
Champion worked for many years at G&V Laundry and Robinson Linen Supply;
after retiring, he worked for 30 years at the Glens Falls Civic Center;
and
WHEREAS, On January 17, 1954, George H. Champion married the love of
his life, Mary VanVranken, at the First Baptist Church of Glens Falls;
they would continue to worship as members of their church congregation
for over 60 years; and
WHEREAS, Known for his patience and devotion to his family, George H.
Champion enjoyed playing golf and softball, as well as attending his
grandchildren's numerous events; and
WHEREAS, George H. Champion's commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including char-
itable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous awards for his outstanding service,
George H. Champion was presented with the Citizen of the Year Award by
the Glens Falls Rotary Club and the Red Carpet Award by the Lake
George/Adirondack Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau; he was also
honored by the Glens Falls Civic Center with his own walkway named
"George Champion Way"; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his mother and sister, George H. Champion is
survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Mary; his two children, Gregory
(Laurie) and Deborah (Curtis); and four grandchildren, Rachaud (Taylor),
Shae (Oscar), Blair, and Brett; as well as members of his loving
extended family, Robert and David Aikens; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, George H. Champion 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 George H. Champion, 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 George H. Champion.