Assembly Resolution No. 92

BY: M. of A. Norris

HONORING Robert G. Sillars upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the 2019 Lifetime
Achiever of the Year Award by the Clarence Chamber
of Commerce on March 7, 2019

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those distinguished citizens who would devote their life's work
and purpose to community service, contributing to the welfare of the
citizens of their communities and this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Robert G. Sillars upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the 2019 Lifetime Achiever of the Year Award by the Clarence Chamber of
Commerce, to be celebrated at its 47th Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday,
March 7, 2019, at Samuel's Grande Manor in Clarence, New York; and

WHEREAS, Robert G. Sillars is receiving this prestigious award for
his steadfast and unremitting commitment to his beloved community of
Clarence; and

WHEREAS, Robert G. Sillars grew up in Mount Vernon, Ohio, where he
graduated from high school in 1967; he earned his Bachelor of Arts
degree in Political Science and Economics from Macalester College, and
then obtained his Juris Doctor from the Case Western Reserve University
School of Law where he served on the Editorial Board of the
International Law Journal; and

WHEREAS, After returning to his hometown, Robert G. Sillars began
his long and distinguished law career with a local firm; in 1982, he
founded his own firm; 34 years later, he merged with the Stamm Law Firm
in order to better serve his clients; and

WHEREAS, In 1999, Robert G. Sillars was appointed Clarence Town
Justice, and later that year, he was elected to the first of five full
terms; shortly after taking office, Judge Sillars started the first
Clarence drug court, and has continued to monitor defendants who are
engaged in drug and alcohol rehabilitation; he was chosen by the state
Administrative Judge to serve as a mentor to newly elected judges as
they adjust to judicial office; and

WHEREAS, Robert G. Sillars has been a guest lecturer at the State
University of New York at Buffalo Law School, and a frequent faculty
member and author for continuing legal education seminars sponsored by
the National Business Institute for Attorneys; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to his community, Robert G. Sillars has been
actively involved with the Clarence Rotary Club since 1976; he is
especially proud of his role as a mentor with the Club's middle school
program; and

WHEREAS, In 1977, Robert G. Sillars was appointed to the Clarence
Teen Center Board, and was later elected as its President; in this

capacity, he oversaw a leadership transition when the original program
director retired; and

WHEREAS, Robert G. Sillars was also a participant with the Clarence
Jaycees; during his term as President, the Jaycees planned and executed
the very first Clarence Day in the Park, a tradition which has continued
for over three decades; and

WHEREAS, For nearly 20 years, Robert G. Sillars served on the Board
of the Claremount, including several years as President; operated by the
Sisters of St. Joseph, the Claremount provides safe, low cost senior
housing in Clarence; and

WHEREAS, This remarkable man also served several terms on the Board
of the Clarence Chamber of Commerce; under his luminous leadership, the
Chamber embarked on a program to increase awareness of the Town's
importance to Erie County and all of Western New York; and

WHEREAS, In the 1990s, Robert G. Sillars held the position of Chair
of the successful fundraising program for the acquisition of the
Clarence Historical Museum, which was at the time, the largest secular
fundraising program in Clarence's history; and

WHEREAS, Currently, Robert G. Sillars is a faithful member and Elder
of the Clarence Presbyterian Church, and has been involved with the
Presbytery of Western New York, having served and chaired many
committees and commissions; in 2016, he began a term as Moderator of the
Presbytery of Western New York, and two years later, he was selected as
Commissioner to the 223rd General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.); and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Tucky, their two
sons, and one grandson, all of whom have shown him love and support and
rejoice in his many achievements; 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 Robert G. Sillars upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the 2019 Lifetime Achiever of the Year Award by the
Clarence Chamber of Commerce; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Robert G. Sillars.