LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Richard Hays Wilson upon the occasion
of his designation for special recognition for his dedication to the
H.R. Wilson Golf Tournament

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, Richard Hays Wilson has given not only of his time and ener-
gies but also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and conse-
quently has been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Richard Hays
Wilson upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition for
his dedication to the H.R. Wilson Golf Tournament; and
WHEREAS, Born on November 4, 1945, to Homer Richard and Emma-Jean
Wilson in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Richard Hays Wilson, known to all as
Rick, moved with his family to Weathersfield Bow, Vermont, when he was
just six months old; and
WHEREAS, After attending the State University of New York at Delhi for
one year, Rick Wilson joined the Operating Engineers Union-Surveying
Engineers Union, and began working with a surveying crew in 1965; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Rick Wilson was employed by
Wiltsie Construction, Oswego, New York, holding the position of
Construction Estimator; and
WHEREAS, Rick Wilson has been called upon to contribute his time and
talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always given
of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Always very proud of his father, a World War II Fighter
Pilot, Rick Wilson established the H.R. Wilson Golf Tournament to honor
his late father's enduring legacy; and
WHEREAS, Since 2009, the H.R. Wilson Golf Tournament has supported
Homes For Our Troops, a vital organization whose mission is to build
specially adapted homes for service members who have been severely
injured in combat operations since September 11, 2001; and
WHEREAS, All homes are built at no cost to the veteran through the
generous support of individuals, foundations and corporate contributors
and, to date, more than 158 veterans have been able to regain their
freedom and independence through the gift of a fully accessible home,
built according to their individual needs; and
WHEREAS, Homer R. Wilson died on June 19, 1997, at the age of 75; a
member of First Presbyterian Church in King Ferry, New York, he was the
proud father of five children, Richard Hays, Steven Ellsworth, Bruce
Edward, Debra Jean, and Peter Norman; and
WHEREAS, Today, Rick Wilson continues to take great pride in the H.R.
Wilson Golf Tournament, ensuring it is well organized, and that the
focus remains on our Nation's veterans; he strives to make it run as
efficiently as possible in order to donate a great deal of money to this
worthy cause; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Rick Wilson rigorously works to line up
donations, and procure sponsors for this auspicious event, in an effort
to keep it affordable so many people can participate; as the tournament
grows, his son, Brian, assists with online support and Cayuga County
Treasurer, Jimmy Orman, helps with fundraising efforts; and
WHEREAS, Under Rick Wilson's luminous leadership, 80 enthusiastic
golfers participated in the 2014 event, raising a significant amount of
funds; this year's tournament will be held June 27-28, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Rick Wilson has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, An avid family man, Rick Wilson spent many summers boating,
waterskiing, and enjoying ice cream with his wife and children on Cayuga
Lake; and
WHEREAS, Gifted in soccer and baseball, Rick Wilson has played on both
youth teams and adult leagues; as his children became involved in
sports, he was always available to cheer them on, no matter how far he
had to drive to see them; and
WHEREAS, A member of the Wells College Course, Aurora, New York, Rick
Wilson is a respected and proficient golfer; even though he has retired
multiple times over his career, he currently mows lawns at the golf
course; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his loving, wife, Kaye, his
four devoted children, Kristina (Edward), Kasandra (Tod), Brian (Dacey),
and Corinne, and his six cherished grandchildren, Madeiline, Braden,
Alexandra, Charlotte, Rhys, and Ruby, as well as his beloved sister,
Debra Jean, and brother, Steven, all of whom feel privileged to be a
part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Rick Wilson has displayed throughout
his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Richard Hays Wilson upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition for his role in the success of the H.R. Wilson Golf
Tournament; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Richard Hays Wilson.