Senate Resolution No. 1786 BY: Senator KENNEDY MOURNING the death of Aaron J. Peters, 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, Aaron Peters of Lewiston, New York, died on January 17, 2024 at the age of 32; and WHEREAS, With deep family roots in the state park system, Aaron Peters was born in Lewiston, New York to parents Ron Peters and Jennifer Ray; and WHEREAS, Enjoyer of the outdoors, lover of nature, Aaron Peters took great pride in his specialized role within the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation as a sawyer; he was a part of a crew that uses chainsaws to cut down damaged trees and remove tree debris from state parks, also serving in the regional ropes access team; and WHEREAS, Serving the community and providing quality work, Aaron Peters was formerly a landscaper for Stedman's Nursery in Newfane, New York; he was a resident of Youngstown, New York; and WHEREAS, Aaron Peter's tragic death, while working with a tree removal crew at Golden Hills State Park on the shoreline of Lake Ontario in Niagara County, reminds us that New York State employees often bravely put themselves in harm's way while working to improve the safety of their fellow citizens and colleagues; and WHEREAS, A multi-talented individual and full of life, Aaron Peters was a lover of comedy, guitarist and vocalist in two bands, and an avid hiker and fisher; he was a fan of the Green Bay Packers, Buffalo Bills, and Buffalo Bandits; and WHEREAS, Acknowledged by Governor Kathy Hochul for his dedication and contributions to the community, State flags were held at half-staff on January 24th from sunrise to sunset as a tribute to Aaron Peter's dedication to his life passion and the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Aaron Peters distinguished himself in his profession and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of his community; and WHEREAS, Aaron Peters' commitment to excellence, and his spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charitable and civic endeavors; and WHEREAS, Aaron Peters is survived by his daughter Adeline Peters and his girlfriend Katie Schank; he was an amazing brother to Missy Peters, Ryan Peters, and Ryan Schumacher; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Aaron Peters 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 Aaron J. Peters, 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 Aaron J. Peters.