[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 19 (Friday, February 18, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E304]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN MEMORY OF R. ARNOLD WAKELIN, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BARNEY FRANK

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 17, 2005

  Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, the town of Wellesley, 
Massachusetts, recently suffered a great loss with the death of R. 
Arnold Wakelin, Jr., who was the town's Executive Director of General 
Government, and who had served the residents of the town with 
dedication, distinction and creativity through 47 years.
  Local government isn't glamorous. It is simply necessary. It is to 
our local governments that we entrust some of the most important 
responsibilities that affect our lives. Policing, fire fighting, public 
sanitation, snow removal, street maintenance, recreation, and of course 
education are carried out along with a number of other activities 
essential to the quality of our lives, especially in urban areas, at 
the local government level. R. Arnold Wakelin was a gifted individual 
who, fortunately for the people of the town of Wellesley, chose to 
employ his considerable talents on behalf of the fellow citizens of the 
town he loved and served so well.
  He began his work for the town in 1957 after leaving the Air Force 
where he served for 3 years, and his ability and dedication quickly led 
to a series of promotions which culminated in his being the Chief 
Executive of the town. In addition, he served on the town's retirement 
board and he was a leader in the Wellesley Kiwanis Club, additional 
outlets for his desire to serve his fellow citizens. Mr. Speaker, I 
join with the residents of the town in mourning his passing while 
celebrating and expressing thanks for his extraordinary service. The 
example he set of effective concern for the well being of others is an 
inspiring one and I ask that the recognition by the town of Wellesley 
of the wonderful career of Arnold Wakelin be noted here.

             Resolution in Memory of R. Arnold Wakelin, Jr.

       Whereas, on November 8th 2004, the Town of Wellesley was 
     saddened by the death of our esteemed Executive Director of 
     General Government, R. Arnold Wakelin, Jr. Arnold made 
     numerous and impressive contributions to the Town of 
     Wellesley and its residents throughout his forty-seven years 
     of service. With his passing, Wellesley lost a dedicated 
     leader and faithful friend;
       Whereas, in addition to Executive Director, Arnold served 
     as a valued member of the Town's Retirement Board. He was 
     also an active member of the Wellesley Kiwanis Club for over 
     forty years, having served as President and most recently 
     Treasurer. Arnold served our community with a deep sense of 
     commitment and devotion. He earned the regard and heartfelt 
     respect of all who were privileged to know him;
       Whereas, Arnold gave earnestly of his time to our community 
     and we think of the many citizens who have benfited from his 
     leadership and participation in the Town of Wellesley. His 
     former associates and the citizens of the Town regard his 
     passing as a great loss;
       Whereas, the thanks of this meeting and the community are 
     due Arnold Wakelin for the able manner in which he performed 
     his various appointed and volunteer duties. We sincerely 
     regret his passing;
       Whereas, on behalf of the Citizens of Wellesley, this 
     Resolution is being presented as an opportunity to express 
     the esteem in which we hold him as a faithful and devoted 
     citizen: Now, therefore be it
       Resolved, That this town meeting, on behalf of the 
     residents and municipal employees of the Town of Wellesley, 
     expresses its deep regret at the passing of R. Arnold 
     Wakelin, Jr. and publicly acknowledges its appreciation for 
     his dedicated service and significant contributions to the 
     citizens of our Town, and further, that the Town Clerk be 
     instructed to record this Resolution in the minutes of this 
     Meeting, and to transmit copies to Mr. Wakelin's family.




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