Honor Byron Hale Delavan

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.