[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 20]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 27882]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO JUDGE RONALD H. TILLS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. THOMAS M. REYNOLDS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 8, 2005

  Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today 
to honor a respected jurist, a dedicated public servant, a valued 
mentor and a trusted friend upon the occasion of his retirement from 
the New York State Court of Claims.
  A native of Hamburg, New York, and a veteran of the United States 
Army Reserves, Judge Ronald H. Tills began a career in public service 
that spanned five decades when he joined the Zoning Board of Appeals in 
1960. An Assistant Town Attorney and Town Justice, Ron Tills was 
elected to the New York State Assembly in 1968, where he served his 
community and his State with distinction, becoming Chairman of the 
Assembly's Select Committee for Revision of Corporation Law.
  It was in his capacity as Member of the State Assembly that Judge Ron 
Tills took a chance on a young college student with little political 
experience to help run his re-election campaign in 1972. Joining his 
Assembly staff following that election, my own career in government and 
public service was launched, and I will be forever grateful for Ron's 
guidance, counsel and friendship.
  Judge Tills' service to his community culminated when he was 
nominated by Governor George E. Pataki, and confirmed by the New York 
State Senate, to the New York State Court of Claims in July of 1995, 
where he has served as a Court of Claim Judge and Acting Supreme Court 
Justice for the past decade.
  Mr. Speaker, Ron Tills involvement in a variety of civic and 
community organizations, and the awards and recognitions he has 
received over the years are too numerous to list. Whether it was the 
Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, Hamburg Volunteer Fire Company, or so 
many others, Ron Tills involved himself as he did in each endeavor 
throughout his life and career, with passion, leadership, and 
commitment.
  One of his great loves is the largest and oldest fraternal 
organization in the world. As a Mason, Ron Tills has held numerous 
responsibilities within the Masons and the organizations within it, 
including Proctor of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, 
Potentate of the Ismalia Shrine Temple, Director and President of the 
Shrine Oasis and Director of the Buffalo Court 22 of Jesters.
  In addition to the Masons, gardening and travel, Ron Tills' greatest 
love of all is the former Elizabeth Clarkson. Ron and Betty were 
married on May 6, 1960, and are parents of Thomas and Suzanne and 
grandparents of Dale Jr. and Diane Goodridge, and Timothy and Abigail 
Tills.
  Mr. Speaker, in recognition of and in gratitude for his service, 
leadership and patriotism, I ask that this Honorable Body join me in 
honoring Judge Ronald H. Tills upon the occasion of his retirement, and 
wish him great health and happiness in the days and years ahead.

                          ____________________