Senate Resolution No. 518 BY: Senator KENNEDY MOURNING the death of Byron L. Brown, father of Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to citizens from the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor served to enhance the quality of life in their communities; and WHEREAS, Byron L. Brown of Hartford, Connecticut, died on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at the age of 89, one week shy of his 90th Birthday; and WHEREAS, Byron L. Brown was born on March 11, 1931, in St. Ann Parish in Jamaica, West Indies; he was the only child of Doris Wilby and Phillip Brown; and WHEREAS, He grew up in Jamaica and migrated to the United States in 1947, at the age of 16 to begin a different way of life; and WHEREAS, While attending a church dance, Byron L. Brown met and later married Clarice Kirnon, on October 26, 1957; their marriage was blessed with two loving children, Byron and Andrea; and WHEREAS, The family moved from Brooklyn to Queens in 1962; Byron L. Brown was in his element with his new surroundings; he loved to work with his hands, and often spent time tending to the lawn and gardens; he was known for having the best yard in the neighborhood; and WHEREAS, Byron L. Brown began working at Evans Fur Company as a Stock boy but worked his way up into a career as a Fur Buyer; he worked at Evans Fur Company for 33 years until his retirement; and WHEREAS, His magnetic personality combined with his expertise in his craft, led him to excel in his profession; many people complimented him on his skill and natural ability to choose quality merchandise; and WHEREAS, Byron L. Brown was a man of strong opinions, and was not swayed from his convictions; his strong will made him an immovable mountain when he made up his mind about something; and WHEREAS, This extraordinary man was a no-nonsense father who expected success from his children; he was funny and could be heard singing around the house; he also loved fishing and would take trips to his favorite fishing spot that he enjoyed immensely; and WHEREAS, Byron L. Brown will be remembered as a true gentleman, a loving father and a wonderful provider; he will be truly missed by many; and WHEREAS, Byron L. Brown is survived by his son, The Honorable Byron W. Brown and his wife, Michelle; his daughter, Andrea Brown; one grandson, Byron III; two granddaughters, Nicole and Alonni; and one great-granddaughter, Gabriella; as well as a host of cousins and friends; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Byron L. Brown 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 Byron L. Brown, and to express its deepest condolences to his family; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Byron L. Brown.