Honor Donald L. Garrant

Senate Resolution No. 3518 BY: Senator LITTLE MOURNING the death of Donald L. Garrant, family man, Clinton County Legislator, and devoted member of his community WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication, command the respect and admiration of their community for their exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to mourn publicly those distinguished citizens who demonstrated great courage and diligence in providing for the care and welfare of the citizens of their communities and this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, With feelings of deepest regret, this Legislative Body records the passing of Donald L. Garrant, who died on Saturday, January

13, 2018, at the age of 82; and WHEREAS, Donald "Don" L. Garrant was born to Evelyn (McMaugh) and Lawrence Garrant on August 7, 1935; a life-long resident of Plattsburgh, New York, he graduated from Our Lady of Victory Academy in 1953; he received both his Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science in Education from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Plattsburgh; and WHEREAS, For much of his life, Don L. Garrant proudly served his alma mater; he truly enjoyed each and every day he worked on the campus; and WHEREAS, Don L. Garrant began his esteemed career at SUNY Plattsburgh in August of 1960 as the Director of Public Information; from 1968-1988, he served as Assistant to the President for College Relations; and WHEREAS, In 1988, Don L. Garrant was named Executive Assistant to the President for College Relations and Development; 10 years later, he assumed the title of Vice President for Institutional Advancement, a position he held until his retirement in 1999; and WHEREAS, In this capacity, Don L. Garrant helped establish the Plattsburgh College Foundation, the college's fund-raising program, and served as its first Executive Director; and WHEREAS, For his steadfast and unremitting commitment to the College, Don L. Garrant was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award which he received during the May of 1999 commencement; and WHEREAS, In 2002, Don L. Garrant was appointed to the SUNY Plattsburgh College Council, and in 2004, former Governor George Pataki named him Chair; and WHEREAS, In 1995, Don L. Garrant and his wife, Mary, graciously created the Donald and Mary Garrant Scholarship to benefit exceptional undergraduates who demonstrate financial need and are graduates of either Seton Catholic Central School or Plattsburgh High School; and WHEREAS, In addition to his role at SUNY Plattsburgh, Don L. Garrant served as a vital and enthusiastic leader in his community for many years; in 1974, he was elected to the Clinton County Legislature, where he was grateful for the opportunity to represent the people for 26 years; during this time, he also served as Chairperson; and WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Don L. Garrant diligently worked to improve communication between government and the citizens it served by conducting Ward 3 forums to allow residents the chance to voice their opinions and be heard; and WHEREAS, Don L. Garrant also served his community in various other capacities including President of the Plattsburgh Board of Education, and member of the Plattsburgh Air Base Redevelopment Corporation Board of Directors, both the Plattsburgh and Clinton County Chamber of Commerce, and the Plattsburgh Jaycees; in 1966, he was recognized as one of the Five Outstanding Young Men of the Year in New York State by the New York State Jaycees; and WHEREAS, Moreover, Don L. Garrant volunteered his time and energy to various organizations such as the Clinton County United Way, Clinton-Essex Chapter of the American Heart Association and the Clinton County Youth Bureau; and WHEREAS, A man of many interests and talents, Don L. Garrant was a school community relations coordinator/junior high school teacher in the South Colonie Central School District for three years, and from

1953-1957, he served as the Sports Editor, Sunday Editor and Assistant City Editor for the Plattsburgh Press Republican; and WHEREAS, Don L. Garrant was also a faithful parishioner of St. Peter's Catholic Church, serving in many committee positions; and WHEREAS, Don L. Garrant truly led by example, and in doing so, has left a lasting impact on SUNY Plattsburgh, the City of Plattsburgh, and Clinton County as a whole; and WHEREAS, Don L. Garrant is survived by his wife of 58 years and the love of his life, the former Mary E. Ferrari; two daughters, Kathleen (Todd) Garrant and Susan (John) Quinn; two sons, Michael (Vanessa) Garrant and John (Gina) Garrant; nine grandchildren, Megan, Christopher (Bryn), Emily (Matt), Joe (Meghan), John Patrick, Stephen, Matt, Lindsey, and Ryan; one brother, Richard (Linda) Garrant; one sister-in-law, Joan (Carl) Herman; and several nieces and nephews, as well as a legion of friends and community members who will long treasure his memory; and WHEREAS, A man of great compassion and determination, Donald L. Garrant's legacy extends far beyond his accomplishments as a successful public servant; his sincere concern for others; his integrity, unconditional friendship and selfless motivation to give of himself, will long stand as a beacon for those who would aspire to service in their community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Donald L. Garrant, family man, Clinton County Legislator, and devoted member of his community, recognizing the significance of his exemplary record of public service; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Donald L. Garrant.