2019 -- S 0101

========

LC000727

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

____________

S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

HONORING THE LATE HERBERT F. SPENCER FOR HIS DECADES OF OUTSTANDING

SERVICE TO THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     

     Introduced By: Senator Harold M. Metts

     Date Introduced: January 22, 2019

     Referred To: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar

1

     WHEREAS, With exemplary dedication and consummate qualifications, Herbert F.

2

Spencer had advocated for and served the people of the State of Rhode Island and it is with deep

3

sadness that this Senate has learned of his passing; and

4

     WHEREAS, For twenty-one years, Mr. Spenser had worked with the Department of

5

Administration, Equal Opportunity Office, retiring as the Assistant Administrator of the State

6

Equal Opportunity Programs; and

7

     WHEREAS, Mr. Spencer was totally dedicated to those he served, and had an

8

unsurpassed record of achievement and advocacy on behalf of women, minorities, the physically

9

challenged, and the most vulnerable and underrepresented in our state; and

10

     WHEREAS, For twenty-three years, Mr. Spencer had served as Rhode Island's first

11

African-American affirmative action officer, and at the age of thirty, became the first African-

12

American grand knight of the Knights of Columbus in Rhode Island with the J.A. Finnegan

13

Council in Providence. He had served our country with honor in the United States Army during

14

the Korean War which had strongly motivated him to pursue the cause of civil rights; and

15

     WHEREAS, A loving family man, Mr. Spencer was devoted to his family. He was the

16

beloved husband of Barbara, the devoted father of Herbert, Jr., Roland, Christopher, Nelson, and

17

Letia, and the very proud grandfather of eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He

18

diligently instilled a strong work ethic and the importance of civil rights in his children; and

19

     WHEREAS, Upon retirement, Mr. Spencer had enjoyed many years cooking and

 

1

barbecuing for friends and family as well as watching Georgetown win on the court, and taking

2

trips to Martha's Vineyard; and

3

     WHEREAS, Beloved by his friends and colleagues, and cherished by his family, Herbert

4

Spencer will be greatly missed and always remembered; now, therefore be it

5

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

6

hereby honors the late Herbert F. Spencer for his dedicated advocacy and service to the people of

7

Rhode Island and extends deepest condolences on his passing; and be it further

8

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

9

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Mrs. Barbara Spencer and Family.

========

LC000727

========

 

LC000727 - Page 2 of 2