What's happening
This resolution honors the life, community service, and legacy of Rexford Z. Thornton of Bainbridge, New York.
Why it matters
Highlights the deep and sustained impact of one individual’s service. Thornton’s decades-long commitment to roles like town councilman, sheriff's deputy, and school bus driver illustrates how long-term local involvement can shape and strengthen a community.
Underscores the value of grassroots volunteerism. The resolution points to Thornton’s hands-on work with local food pantries, soup kitchens, and building repairs, showing how everyday acts of kindness and labor build community resilience and support vulnerable neighbors.
Celebrates intergenerational influence and local tradition. By engaging with schoolchildren and supporting youth activities, Thornton’s life demonstrates how community leaders can nurture civic pride and continuity across generations, influencing both family and wider community life.
Serves as a model for civic recognition. Passing such resolutions not only honors individual contributions but also encourages similar community spirit by publicly acknowledging the positive legacy of devoted local citizens.
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Honor Rexford Z. Thornton
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Adopted
- Reported to calendar for consideration
- Referred to finance
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
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… Show allHide
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.
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