Assembly Resolution No. 957 BY: M. of A. Crouch MOURNING the death of Robert D. Briggs, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who, through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive impact on the lives of its residents; Robert D. Briggs was one such individual; and WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative Body records the passing of Robert D. Briggs, noting the significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and WHEREAS, Robert D. Briggs of Afton, New York, died on Sunday, July 5, 2020, at the age of 89; and WHEREAS, Born on October 13, 1930 in Sherman, Pennsylvania, Robert D. Briggs was the son of Milton and Ida (Conklin) Briggs; and WHEREAS, Robert D. Briggs began his education in a two-room schoolhouse in Sherman before moving to Deposit, New York, with his family at the age of nine; upon graduating from Deposit Central School in 1947, he attended SUNY Delhi; and WHEREAS, After moving to Afton in 1961, Robert D. Briggs and his wife started Bobany Farms, which they successfully operated for 47 years; and WHEREAS, For more than two decades, under the luminous direction of this extraordinary couple, Bobany Farms was bestowed with the Dairy of Distinction Award, a prestigious honor recognizing family farms in New York State which are maintained to specific standards of performance and appearance; and WHEREAS, From 1971 through 1985, Robert D. Briggs was a member of the board for Afton Central School, serving for many years as its president; he went on to become the Town of Afton Supervisor for 24 years, and also served as the head of the Chenango County Board of Supervisors; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, in recognition of his unwavering dedication to his community, the Afton Town Hall bears his name; and WHEREAS, An active member of the Afton Sertoma Club, Coventry Milk Producers Co-op and St. Agnes Catholic Church in Afton, Robert D. Briggs also gave tirelessly of his time and energies volunteering for both the Afton Historical Society and the Afton InterChurch food pantry; and WHEREAS, Robert D. Briggs was the proud recipient of the 2005 Service to Mankind Award by the Sertoma Club, and was recognized as the Afton Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 2018; and WHEREAS, A steadfast champion for education, he and his wife established the Robert and Anne Briggs Family Scholarship for students graduating from Afton High School; and WHEREAS, Robert D. Briggs was a man of true integrity and honesty who lived an immensely beautiful life built on compassion, kindness, and respect for others; and WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents; his sister, Phyllis Buck; an infant son, James; and a daughter-in-law, Margaret Briggs, Robert D. Briggs is survived by his wife of nearly 68 years, Anne Feehan Briggs; six children, Elizabeth (Kelly), Michael (Sharlene), Richard, Laurie (Jessica), William (Candy) and Brian (Tammy); 18 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild; as well as many family members, friends and neighbors; and WHEREAS, Robert D. Briggs' legacy of infinite selflessness and benevolence will shine on through his family's vivid and happy memories; his insight and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love and hope for all who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing person; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Robert D. Briggs, 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 Robert D. Briggs.