Senate Resolution No. 2864

BY: Senator AKSHAR

HONORING the life and legacy of Rexford Z.
Thornton, 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, Affectionately known as Rex, Rexford Z. Thornton of
Bainbridge, New York, passed away on Monday, May 29, 2017, at the age of
87; and

WHEREAS, Born on June 6, 1929, to the late Rexford A. and Bernice
(Spohn) Thornton, Rexford Z. Thornton graduated from Bainbridge High
School in 1948; and

WHEREAS, Rexford Z. Thornton and Beverly Besemer were united in
marriage on June 23, 1959, in Bainbridge, where they built their life
together; and

WHEREAS, In addition to being a self-employed farmer, Rexford Z.
Thornton worked for nearly 20 years as a Chenango County Sheriff's
Deputy, a Village of Bainbridge Patrolman, and for 43 years, he drove a
school bus for Bainbridge-Guilford Central School; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering devotion to his community,
Rexford Z. Thornton gave tirelessly of his time and energies to working
on projects, fixing buildings, volunteering with the soup kitchen and
food pantry, and serving as a helping hand to anyone in need; and

WHEREAS, For his tireless community service, Rexford Z. Thornton was
recognized with the Commitment to Community Award from the Bainbridge
Chamber of Commerce in 1996; and

WHEREAS, Rexford Z. Thornton served as a Bainbridge Town Councilman
for 34 years, as well as Town Justice from 1970 to 1974; he was also a
past member of the Bainbridge Sportsman Club; and

WHEREAS, During his life, Rexford Z. Thornton took immense pride in
his children's and grandchildren's activities; he was often heard loudly
cheering at a wrestling match, basketball, soccer or softball game,
stock car races, and the BG Band trips; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, he sincerely enjoyed the many years the
Bainbridge-Guilford kindergarten students came to his farm to make apple
cider; and

WHEREAS, Rexford Z. Thornton is survived by his loving wife of
nearly 58 years, Beverly; three children, Corleen (Jerry), Gregg
(Christine) and Marleen (Mark); nine grandchildren; 16
great-grandchildren; and many special nieces and nephews; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Rexford Z. Thornton 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
honor the life and legacy of Rexford Z. Thornton, distinguished citizen
and devoted member of his community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Rexford Z. Thornton.