2016 -- H 8317

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LC006177

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2016

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF GLENN LAXTON

     Introduced By: Representatives Trillo, Costa, Giarrusso, Morgan, and Reilly

     Date Introduced: June 09, 2016

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, It is with great sadness that this House has learned of the passing of Glenn

Laxton, an Emmy-award winning journalist, author, and respected historian. He was also a loving

family man and the beloved husband of Linda Laxton, and the cherished father of Jillian, Diane,

and Adam; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Laxton was a son of the late Mildred and John Laxton, and the brother

of Stephen Laxton and his wife, Gail. He had earned his degree at Emerson College; and

     WHEREAS, For more than 40 years, Glenn Laxton was a trusted part of many Rhode

Islanders daily lives as a longtime member of the Eyewitness News family. Over the course of his

career at WPRI 12, he had been an anchor, reporter, and assignment and news manager. In

addition, Mr. Laxton had earned acclaim for his inspiring “Not to be Forgotten” stories, which

explored the history of Rhode Island's unsung heroes and most recently, had served as the

company's community affairs director; and

     WHEREAS, Described as a "perfect gentleman," and a multi-talented and consummate

professional, Mr. Laxton was the author of many articles on Rhode Island history and several

books including, "Hidden History of Rhode Island: Not-To-Be-Forgotten Tales of the Ocean

State"; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Laxton was also the recipient of the Silver Circle Award from the

Academy of Arts and Sciences and is considered an authority on the early 20th century comedy

team of Laurel and Hardy. In addition, he served as the Director of the Rhode Island Heritage

Hall of Fame and the Blackstone Valley Historical Society, and in his younger years, was a singer

in a Doo-Wop Band; and

     WHEREAS, Memories of this remarkable man, who helped to enlighten and entertain

our state and set a standard for journalistic excellence that is an inspiration to us all, will long be

remembered and celebrated; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED. That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby expresses our deepest sympathies on the passing of Glenn Laxton;

and be it further

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

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Linda Laxton and Family.

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