Senate Resolution No. 566

BY: Senator HELMING

CONGRATULATING Byron Hale Delavan upon the
occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2017
Mr. Canandaigua Award by the Canandaigua Chamber of
Commerce

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 enhanced by the concerned and dedicated efforts of
organizations and individuals that generously contribute to the welfare
of the community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Byron Hale Delavan upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the 2017 Mr. Canandaigua Award by the Canandaigua Chamber
of Commerce, to be celebrated at its 107th Annual Dinner and Membership
Meeting on Friday, February 3, 2017, at Finger Lakes Community College
in Canandaigua, New York; and

WHEREAS, For 107 years, the Canandaigua Area Chamber of Commerce has
been a leader in its community; by contributing to business and
community development, the Chamber strives to make sure that Canandaigua
remains "the Chosen Spot", the ideal place to live, work and play; and

WHEREAS, Each year the Chamber of Commerce honors a citizen for
outstanding service to the residents of Canandaigua; candidates for this
award have demonstrated service to the greater community or its people,
over and above what can be expected of one person, in the course of
everyday living, without or with very little compensation; and

WHEREAS, Known for his generosity, commitment, and passion, Byron
Hale Delavan truly embodies the epitome of Mr. Canandaigua; he has been
described as a "throwback to an earlier, more gracious time", "kind to
all", "always pleased to make a new friend", and as having the "energy
and enthusiasm of a young person on a mission"; and

WHEREAS, This indomitable gentleman has spent a lifetime
volunteering his time and energy for numerous community organizations
including the Canandaigua Centennial Endowment, the Granger Homestead's
Christkindl Market, the Ontario County Historical Society, the Wood
Library Association, the City Planning Commission, Sea Scouts, Rotary,
Sonnenberg Gardens, Second Wind Dreams at Quail Summit, the George Ewing
Forum and the City Endowment Fund; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Byron Hale Delavan was instrumental in raising
significant funds to repair and restore the clock that sits atop City
Hall in time for the 100th Anniversary celebration for the city of
Canandaigua; through his steadfast efforts, future generations will now
get to enjoy this iconic symbol of the community; and

WHEREAS, A native of Skaneateles, New York, Byron Hale Delavan was
born in 1928 to Nathan Hale Delavan, a Syracuse industrialist, and his
wife, Jessie; after graduating from high school he attended Cornell

University in Ithaca, New York, and then Babson College in Boston,
Massachusetts for business training necessary to assume a position in
the family carton company; and

WHEREAS, After meeting the love of his life, the former Caroline
Abraham, while attending Cornell University, the newlyweds moved back to
Canandaigua in 1952; upon his return, he handled Western New York sales
for the family business; together, the couple were faithful and active
members of St. John's Church; and

WHEREAS, Byron Hale Delavan proudly served his country as a member
of the United States Naval Reserve which led to his appointment the
local Sea Scout committee, which was based at the Methodist Church; and

WHEREAS, After the family business was sold in the early 1960s,
Byron Hale Delavan joined a diversified printing and folding box firm in
the Rochester area where he held the position of Vice President of
Sales, requiring him to split his time between Canandaigua and New York
City for nearly 30 years; and

WHEREAS, Byron Hale Delavan loves the printing business and he
learned how to print and glue little cardboard books for toddlers; this
new found author sold millions of books, which afforded him a lucrative
lifestyle; and

WHEREAS, In 1966, Byron Hale Delavan became an active member of the
Chamber of Commerce Community Development Committee; he later became the
Chairman of the City Planning Commission where he helped to rewrite the
City Business Sign Ordinance; and

WHEREAS, Byron Hale Delavan truly loves Canandaigua history; he
helped found the Ontario County Historical Society, where he served as
President; in this capacity, he was instrumental in growing this vital
organization from just 32 paying members to full accreditation by the
American Association of Museums, and oversaw a total restoration of its
physical plant; and

WHEREAS, Byron Hale Delavan became a charter member of the first
Board of Directors for Sonnenberg Gardens and oversaw the first planting
of its renowned rose garden; today, he continues to lend his support and
enjoys spending time in the spectacular gardens; and

WHEREAS, For his extraordinary contributions to the Canandaigua
Rotary Club, Byron Hale Delavan was the recipient of the Paul Harris
Fellowship Award; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his loving wife of 66 years,
Caroline, and their devoted son, Byron Hale Delavan, Jr., both 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
individual for the benefit of others which Byron Hale Delavan has
displayed throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our

attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Byron Hale Delavan upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the 2017 Mr. Canandaigua Award by the Canandaigua Chamber
of Commerce; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Byron Hale Delavan.