LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Howard R. VanKirk Jr.,
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, Howard R. VanKirk Jr. of Seneca Falls, New York, died on May
20, 2014, at the age of 83; and
WHEREAS, Howard R. VanKirk Jr. was born on July 25, 1930, the son of
Howard Rogers VanKirk Sr. and Dorothy Lois Morehouse; and
WHEREAS, After graduating from Waterloo High School in 1948, Howard R.
VanKirk Jr. worked for two years at Papec Machine before receiving his
degree, cum laude, from Syracuse University with a dual major in
publishing and history; and
WHEREAS, Howard R. VanKirk Jr. worked briefly for the NEWARK COURI-
ER-GAZETTE before serving his country honorably as a member of the
United States Army, stationed in Yokohama, Japan; and
WHEREAS, After completing his military service, Howard R. VanKirk Jr.
served for eight years as reporter, photographer and assistant to the
publisher at the CARTHAGE REPUBLICAN TRIBUNE weekly newspaper; and
WHEREAS, In 1964, Howard R. VanKirk Jr. became general manager of the
SKANEATELES PRESS and MARCELLUS OBSERVER, working, for his former dean,
Wesley C. Clark; four years later, he would return to his home county to
become editor, and subsequently, editor-publisher of the SENECA
FALLS-WATERLOO REVEILLE newspaper; and
WHEREAS, For 27 years, this esteemed newspaper man admirably served
the interests of his community, helping his publication win numerous New
York State Newspaper Association awards before retiring in 1995; and
WHEREAS, A member of numerous civic and professional organizations,
Howard R. VanKirk Jr. served on the NYPA Board of Directors, the 33rd
Congressional District Service Academies Selection Board, and as board
member and President of the Seneca County Chamber of Commerce; in addi-
tion, he served on the boards of Seneca Community Players, Seneca County
Arts Council and the Help Line Crisis Referral Center; and
WHEREAS, Devoted to historic preservation, he served two years as
Seneca County Historian and was instrumental in obtaining a State
historical marker honoring 19th-century women's activist and publisher
Amelia Bloomer; furthermore, he helped produce a video presentation of
Waterloo's historic founding and unbroken observance of Memorial Day for
the Library of Congress Bicentennial archives; and
WHEREAS, Howard R. VanKirk Jr. distinguished himself in his profes-
sion and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable man's commitment to excellence, and his spir-
it of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents; and his three brothers, Keith,
James and Mart; Howard R. VanKirk Jr. is survived by his wife Barbara;
his seven children, Cynthia, Stephen (Lori), and Scott (Margaret);
Elizabeth (Norbert), Mary, Zoe (Damon), Rebecca (John); his 15 grand-
children; and three great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Howard R. VanKirk Jr.
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
mourn the death of Howard R. VanKirk Jr., distinguished citizen and
devoted member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Howard R. VanKirk Jr.