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.