2015 -- S 0998

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LC002878

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2015

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF FRANCIS KNIGHT SEARLE

     Introduced By: Senator Nicholas D. Kettle

     Date Introduced: June 16, 2015

     Referred To: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar

     WHEREAS, It is with sadness that this Senate has learned of the passing of Francis

Knight Searle on May 5, 2015. He was predeceased by his wife of more than sixty years, Vivian

Gadoury Searle; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Searle was born in Hope, Rhode Island, one of four children born to the

late Edward E. Searle, Sr., and Gladys M. Searle. He graduated from Cranston High School,

studied at Brown and Northeastern Universities, and attained degrees from both Rhode Island

College and Boston University. Mr. Searle was a World War II veteran who served our nation

with honor and integrity in the United States Navy in the North African, European, and Pacific

theaters of operations; and

     WHEREAS, After returning home from serving his country, Mr. Searle became a teacher

and taught high school math in the public schools in Scituate and Coventry, and also served in a

variety of administrative capacities in Coventry; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Searle lived on a farm and immensely enjoyed tending to his land and

caring for the animals and livestock that lived on his property. He also loved organic gardening

and took great joy in sharing the food he grew with his neighbors and friends; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Searle was a member of Fiskeville Tabernacle Baptist Church and

served his Church in a leadership position for many years. He also had a deep appreciation and

love for music and was a part of many church choirs and quartets. As a lifelong member of the

Hope, Rhode Island, community, Mr. Searle enjoyed volunteering service with the Hope

Historical Society and worked tirelessly to preserve his community; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Searle is survived by his twin sisters, Mary Wood and Betty Thurn, and

was predeceased by his brother, Edward E. Searle, Jr. He leaves behind five children, Charlene

Jarest and her husband, Jake, George Searle and his wife, Nancy, Arthur Searle and his wife,

Maureen, Kenneth Searle, and Janet Bellows and her husband, Robert. He was also the beloved

grandfather of Jessalyn, Katherine, Rebecca, Wendy, Katie, Zachary, Abigail, Daniel, Emily,

Jessica, and Allison, and was the great-grandfather of Nathan and Hazel; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby expresses its condolences to the Searle Family on the passing of Francis Knight Searle;

and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Charlene Jarest, George Searle, Arthur Searle,

Kenneth Searle, and Janet Bellows.

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