Senate Resolution No. 4464

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING John W. Abbuhl, M.D. posthumously upon
the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
Lifetime Achievement Award by the Bethlehem Chamber
of Commerce on April 26, 2018

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor John W.
Abbuhl, M.D. posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Bethlehem Chamber of
Commerce to be celebrated at its Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, April
26, 2018, at Normanside Country Club in Delmar, New York; and

WHEREAS, Established in 1957, the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce
works on a local and regional level to advance economic development and
foster a positive business environment; it offers resources for
residents, businesses, recreation and relocation in Bethlehem, New York,
and the surrounding region; and

WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, Dr. John W. Abbuhl
continually demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence
and diligent leadership in his unwavering service to his community and
profession and consequently has been selected for this most prestigious
honor; and

WHEREAS, Dr. John W. Abbuhl proudly served his country as a flight
surgeon in the United States Navy during the Korean War; and

WHEREAS, In 1966, Dr. John W. Abbuhl moved to Slingerlands, New
York, where he helped found Schoolhouse Road Pediatrics; and

WHEREAS, When he was not working, Dr. John W. Abbuhl enjoyed
collecting and planting tree and woody plant specimens from all over the
world; eventually, he acquired property upon which he planted with his
treasures and installed 11 ponds; and

WHEREAS, In 2007, this hobby horticulturist founded the Pine Hollow
Arboretum so he could preserve his impressive collection and share it
with the public; from 2007-2018, he held the title of President of this
peaceful place; and

WHEREAS, Dr. John W. Abbuhl was also a member of the Mohawk Hudson
Land Conservancy Board, and a Trustee Emeritus of Historic Cherry Hill
in Albany; and

WHEREAS, After retiring from Schoolhouse Pediatrics, Dr. John W.
Abbuhl continued to serve at Parson's Child and Family Center, now known
as Northern Rivers Family Services, well into his 80s; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Dr. John W. Abbuhl stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Dr. John W. Abbuhl displayed
throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor John W. Abbuhl, M.D. posthumously upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the
Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of John W. Abbuhl, M.D.