Bill Text: NY J01326 | 2023-2024 | General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Mourning the death of Don Wilkinson, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2023-06-06 - ADOPTED [J01326 Detail]
Download: New_York-2023-J01326-Introduced.html
Senate Resolution No. 1326 BY: Senator PARKER MOURNING the death of Don Wilkinson, 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 this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Don Wilkinson of Brooklyn, New York, died on May 21, 2023; and WHEREAS, Affectionally known as "Pum Pum" or "Strong Breeze," Don Wilkinson was born to the late Claudius and Dora Wilkinson in Tunapuna, Trinidad; he was raised among six children; and WHEREAS, Rooted in his culture and community, Don Wilkinson was an original member of Blackpool Sports Cultural Club, Tunapuna Hilltones Steel Orchestra, and the Christmas Bandwagon; and WHEREAS, In the early 1970's, Don Wilkinson emigrated to the United States and married the love of his life, Gwendolyn Goode, on August 26, 1978; she remained a devoted caregiver for him until his passing; and WHEREAS, In 1997, Don Wilkinson joined Bethelite Institutional Baptist Church located in Brooklyn, New York following the spiritual guidance of his eldest son, Don Wilkinson Jr.; for many years, he was an active church member who drove the church van and attended Sunday School; and WHEREAS, Don Wilkinson's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charitable and civic endeavors; and WHEREAS, Don Wilkinson is survived by his sisters, Claudette, Linda, Kester, and Margaret Wilkinson; his children, Don Wilkinson Jr. and Derrick Wilkinson; grandchildren, Delilah, Amar'e, and London; his nephews, Curtis and Marvin; his nieces, Shelly-Ann, Renee, and Sasha; great nieces and nephews, and a host of other family & friends; he is sadly preceded in death by his brothers, the late Victor Elliott, "English Man" and the late Rudolph Wilkinson, "Ball Head"; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Don Wilkinson 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 Don Wilkinson, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Don Wilkinson.