Senate Resolution No. 773

BY: Senator JACOBS

MOURNING the death of Andrew J. Bouquard, Roswell
Park researcher, hockey coach, devoted family man,
and pillar in his community

WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative
Body records the passing of Andrew J. Bouquard, an extraordinary
gentleman of indomitable faith and dedication whose purposeful life will
long serve as a standard to which others might aspire; and

WHEREAS, Andrew J. Bouquard, of Orchard Park, New York, died on
Thursday, March 7, 2019, at the age of 43; and

WHEREAS, Andrew J. Bouquard was born to John and Joan (Sekelsky)
Bouquard on April 23, 1975, in West Seneca, New York; he and his two
brothers grew up in a hard-working, close-knit family who loved to play
together, whether it was on the ice rink playing hockey or taking their
annual spring break trips to Fort Wilderness at the Walt Disney World
Resort; and

WHEREAS, Shortly after graduating from West Seneca East High School,
Andrew J. Bouquard was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, the
disease he gracefully and bravely fought for 24 years; and

WHEREAS, With a strong conviction and a determined spirit, Andrew J.
Bouquard earned his bachelor's degree in biology from the University at
Buffalo; he worked at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, prior
to his employment with Roswell Park, where he enjoyed a 16-year career
as a senior research specialist, and received treatment for his illness;
and

WHEREAS, Andrew J. Bouquard married the former Christa Reilly, and
together they raised their son Brendan, with whom he truly enjoyed
sharing the values and ideals he learned from his parents; as a youth
hockey coach for Southtown's Stars Amateur Hockey Association, he taught
his son and many other children how to play his favorite sport; and

WHEREAS, Even though he faced many struggles, Andrew J. Bouquard
proudly supported his community and continued to hit the ice with his
brothers as members of the Buffalo Brewsers during Labatt Blue Pond
Hockey Tournaments; and

WHEREAS, This avid hockey fan who had a heart of gold served on the
board of directors for 11-Day Power Play, a national charity hockey
tournament held in Buffalo, New York, which raises funds for Camp Good
Days, Make-A-Wish Foundation and Roswell Park; and

WHEREAS, Andrew J. Bouquard is survived by his wife, Christa; one
son, Brendan; parents, John and Joan; two brothers, Michael (Lesley) and
Kevin (April); mother-in-law and father-in-law, Timothy and Theresa
(Hill); one brother-in-law, Michael (Jennifer); and eight nieces and
nephews; as well as numerous friends, colleagues and fellow hockey
enthusiasts who will long cherish his memory; and

WHEREAS, Through his boundless energy and profound words of wisdom,
Andrew J. Bouquard's legacy of true grace and infinite selflessness and
kindness, will shine on through his family's vivid and happy memories;
his shining light and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love
and hope for all who were privileged to have known and loved such an
amazing and dynamic man; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Andrew J. Bouquard, Roswell Park researcher, hockey
coach, devoted family man, and pillar in his community; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Andrew J. Bouquard.