For Immediate Release: May 3, 2004
Contact:
Keith P. McKeever | Public Relations | Adirondack Park Agency
contact@apa.ny.gov | (518) 891-4050
RAY BROOK, NY - The Adirondack Park Agency celebrated Arbor day on April 30, 2004 with a tree planting ceremony in honor of Mr. Harold Jerry Jr. Mr. Jerry was instrumental in the formation of the Adirondack Park Agency.
In a distinguished New York State public service career, Mr. Jerry served as State Senator, Director of the Office for Regional Development, Executive Secretary of the Temporary Study Commission on the Future of the Adirondacks and served a 24-year tenure on the Public Service Commission.
Mr. Jerry was born in Plattsburgh, NY. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Princeton in 1941, was a lieutenant colonel in the Army during World War II and earned a law degree at Harvard University in 1948. Mr. Jerry passed away June 9, 2001.
Acknowledging the Agency’s tribute to Mr. Jerry was Jocelyn Rodgers Jerry, his wife of 53 years. Mrs. Jerry revealed that her husband was most happy when “studying maps of the Adirondacks.” She told those in attendance to do as her husband often did, “get to know the vast territory of the Park by camping and hiking, by paddling its streams in summer and snowshoeing the woods in winter.”
Agency Chairman Ross Whaley read a resolution to honor Mr. Jerry. He said, “Mr. Jerry was a wise friend, dedicated public servant and a person of significance in the life of the Adirondack Park. It was truly a pleasure to listen and learn from Mr. Jerry. He passionately loved the Adirondacks and was a tireless advocate for land conservation.”
The tree planting took place at the Agency’s head quarters in Ray Brook in the Adirondack Arboretum. Annually, the Arboretum will be used to honor people who have made important contributions to the Park and to the Agency.