LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Clyde Melvin Cook, family
man, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative
Body records the passing of Clyde Melvin Cook, noting the significance
of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Clyde Melvin Cook of Fort Ann, New York died on Tuesday,
December 22, 2015, at the age of 91; and
WHEREAS, Born on August 6, 1924, in Willow Glen, New York, Clyde
Melvin Cook was the son of the late Irving Adelbert Cook and the late
Gladys Evelyn (DeVoe); he grew up on a three-generation family dairy
farm in Burnt Hills, New York; and
WHEREAS, Clyde Melvin Cook attended schools in Burnt Hills-Ballston
Lake, New York, and Mount Pleasant High School in Schenectady, New York;
he went on to graduate from the United States Naval Academy in New
London, Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Clyde Melvin Cook completed County Sheriff's
Executive Seminars under the Division of Criminal Justice Services of
New York State in Albany, Lake Placid and Plattsburgh; and
WHEREAS, Prior to serving in the military, Clyde Melvin Cook met the
love of his life and soon to be wife, Bernice T. Coryer, while skating
at Brennan's Roller Skating Rink on Route 9 in Queensbury, New York; the
happy couple married November 30, 1943, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in
Hudson Falls, New York; and
WHEREAS, Clyde Melvin Cook proudly served his country as a member of
the United States Navy submarine service during World War II, and served
as Torpedoman's Mate Second Class aboard the USS Capitaine; he served 27
months as an instructor of submarine operations in both the Atlantic and
Pacific theatres; and
WHEREAS, Clyde Melvin Cook distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, After his honorable discharge, Clyde Melvin Cook accepted a
position with the P. Lorrilard Company of New York City as a sales
representative for upstate New York; a position he held until 1949; and
WHEREAS, Clyde Melvin Cook then held the title of both Vice President
and Sales Manager at Fort Ann Sales in Fort Ann; the dealership sold
International Harvesters and specialized in tractors, trucks and buses;
and
WHEREAS, In 1963, Clyde Melvin Cook and his wife next founded Clyde's
Truck and Equipment and the Queen Anne Motel in Fort Ann; remembered as
a compassionate man, he always cared about the welfare of other fami-
lies, and was known to barter and accept a horse or mule as payment for
a truck he sold instead of cash, making it possible for the buyer to
purchase a much-needed vehicle; and
WHEREAS, During winter storms when travel to a restaurant from the
motel was difficult, Clyde Melvin Cook would invite strangers staying
overnight in the motel to dine with his family in his own home; he also
actively helped others find employment; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the years, Clyde Melvin Cook held many positions
in various capacities; he served as the Executive Director of the Wash-
ington County Economic Opportunity Council, Inc. for more than 21 years,
and the Director of the Office for the Aging from 1979-1980, as well as
the Sheriff of Washington County from 1973-1978; and
WHEREAS, Clyde Melvin Cook was also interested in local politics; from
1963-1972, he represented the town of Fort Ann as a Washington County

Supervisor; in addition, he served as Chairman of the Washington County
Board of Supervisors; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, Clyde Melvin Cook was a member of the Advisory
Board of Marine Midland National Bank of Troy in Argyle, New York, and a
member of Eastern Adirondack Economic Development Commission, Inc.; he
also served on the advisory board for Adirondack Community College and
was instrumental in initiating the day care program for students and
faculty; and
WHEREAS, In 2010, Clyde Melvin Cook was honored to receive the Liberty
Bell Award from the Washington County Bar Association for his outstand-
ing service to his community; and
WHEREAS, After 38 years of distinguished service to the residents of
Washington County, Clyde Melvin Cook officially retired on October 31,
2001; and
WHEREAS, Clyde Melvin Cook's commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including char-
itable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Clyde Melvin Cook served his community by being actively
involved in many organizations including the Elks Club of Whitehall,
Knights of Columbus, Fourth Degree Council No. 201 Fort Ann, the Raymond
Harvey Post of the American Legion, and the Fort Ann Fish and Game Club,
as well as the Fort Ann Rescue Squad; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable man held the leadership positions of Presi-
dent and Governor's Aide for the Fort Ann Rotary Club; a faithful member
of St. Ann's Catholic Church, he served on many committees including the
Financial Planning Board, Pastoral Advisory Board and Ecumenical Coun-
cil; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his brother, Louis; one sister, Mabel (Al);
and a grandchild, Clyde Melvin Cook is survived by his loving wife of 72
years, the former Bernice Theresa Coryer; his two daughters, Patricia
Ann (Peter), and Colleen Gay (David); a son, Christopher John (Grace);
his former fresh air child, Irma Valentine; two granddaughters, Dr.
Katie Lynn Jarvis, and Natalie Grace; three grandsons, Kevin David, John
Christopher, and Joseph Dennis Cook of Delmar; as well as many nieces,
nephews and cousins; and
WHEREAS, A true family man, Clyde Melvin Cook enjoyed spending time
with his wife, children, and grandchildren, having fun at the beach,
visiting relatives, and partaking in get-togethers; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Clyde Melvin Cook leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
.SO DOC S R3253 RESO TEXT 2015
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Clyde Melvin Cook, family man, 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 Clyde Melvin Cook.