2019 -- S 0101

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LC000727

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

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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

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

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

sadness that this Senate has learned of his passing; and

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

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

Equal Opportunity Programs; and

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

trips to Martha's Vineyard; and

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

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

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

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

Rhode Island and extends deepest condolences on his passing; 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 Mrs. Barbara Spencer and Family.

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