10-R243

2010 -- S 2887

Enacted 05/19/10

S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

HONORING WILLIAM TURNER ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

Introduced By: Senators Pinga, Tassoni, Raptakis, Ciccone, and Ruggerio

Date Introduced: May 19, 2010

     WHEREAS, William “Bill” Turner originally hailed from Providence, Rhode Island, the

second of three children born to Richard and Marion Turner. At the age of one, Bill moved with

his family to Warwick and was later enrolled in the public school system; and

      WHEREAS, There is an old proverb, “From humble beginnings come great things.”

William Turner had a rather rocky start with education: a few years short of his high school

graduation he was asked to leave high school, and not return. He knew immediately that he had

made a colossal mistake, but he also knew that one day he would succeed; and

WHEREAS, Bill began working in residential construction. In 1964, he enlisted in the

Rhode Island Army National Guard, 243rd Combat Engineer Battalion and served for the next six

years; and

     WHEREAS, In 1966, Bill was sworn into Steamfitters Local 476. He began what would

become an inspiring and dedicated forty-five year career with a five-year apprenticeship. He also

married the love of his life, Madonna, in September of that year, beginning a forty-four year

partnership that also inspires and endures. He and his wife are the proud parents of John,

Kathleen, and Brandon, and have been blessed with five grandchildren, John, Leah, Jayna,

Devyn, and Rachel, and one great grandchild, Jarred; and

     WHEREAS, From an Apprentice Instructor to the International Representative at the

United Association 2001 Convention, Bill has demonstrated commitment and dedication to his

profession and to the men and women of Local 476, and later Local 51. He attained his high

school diploma while serving on active duty, and in 1992, graduated from the Community

College of Rhode Island; and

     WHEREAS, William Turner is truly an extraordinary man who serves as a model of hard

work and conscientious service, and he is enormously worthy of our respect and

acknowledgement; now, therefore be it

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

hereby recognizes and congratulates William Turner on the occasion of his retirement after

almost forty-five years of steadfast service in the Pipe Trades. We wish him good health,

fulfillment, and continued success in all his future endeavors; and be it further

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

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Mr. William Turner.

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LC02658

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