Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 29

Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 29-Assemblymen Evans, Dini, Perkins, Ohrenschall, Giunchigliani, Arberry, Williams, Buckley, Krenzer, Price, Segerblom, Mortenson, Manendo, Freeman, Goldwater, de Braga, Ernaut, Parks, Nolan, Koivisto, Herrera, Hickey, Close, Lambert, Amodei, Tiffany, Berman, Gustavson, Collins, Von Tobel, Chowning, Sandoval, Braunlin, Humke, Carpenter, Marvel, Hettrick, Bache, Neighbors, Cegavske, Lee and Anderson

May 28, 1997
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Read and adopted

SUMMARY--Memorializes former Governor Grant Sawyer. (BDR R-126)

EXPLANATION - Matter in italics is new; matter in brackets [ ] is material to be omitted.

ASSEMBLY CONCURRENT RESOLUTION-Memorializing former Governor Grant Sawyer.

Whereas, The Nevada Legislature along with the entire state was profoundly grieved to note the passing of former Governor Grant Sawyer on February 19, 1996; and
Whereas, Grant Sawyer was born to Harry and Bula Sawyer on December 14, 1918, in Twin Falls, Idaho; and
Whereas, After graduating from the University of Nevada, Reno, in 1941 and attending George Washington School of Law, Grant Sawyer, as a second lieutenant in the United States Army, helped set up an administration for the new Philippines Republic immediately following World War II; and
Whereas, After exiting the military, Grant Sawyer graduated from Georgetown University, settled in Elko, and was elected Elko District Attorney in 1950; and
Whereas, In 1958, Grant Sawyer became the youngest person ever elected as Governor of Nevada, being elected to the first of his two terms by the then largest margin of victory in Nevada history; and
Whereas, Governor Sawyer's decisive support for civil rights, as exemplified in acts such as his creation of the Nevada Equal Rights Commission, transformed the State of Nevada; and
Whereas, Governor Sawyer created and maintained a policy of rigid licensing and regulation in the gaming industry, thereby fighting the influence of organized crime and preserving the industry as an essential component of the State of Nevada; and
Whereas, The reorganization of government performed under Governor Sawyer became an example to the nation; and
Whereas, After leaving office in 1967, Governor Sawyer joined with Samuel S. Lionel to found the law firm now known as Lionel Sawyer & Collins, which has grown to be the largest law firm in the State of Nevada, where he served as chairman of the firm's administrative and gaming law department for more than 25 years, a period during which he led his department to great international recognition and achievement in the field of gaming law; and
Whereas, Governor Sawyer served as President of the Elko County Bar Association, President of the State District Attorneys' Association, Chairman of the State Democratic Central Committee, a member of the Board of Regents of the University of Nevada, General Counsel and Consultant to the Education Commission of the States, General Counsel for the Heart Fund Council in Nevada, a member of the Board of Directors of the National Judicial College and Chairman of the Nevada Commission on Nuclear Projects; and
Whereas, Governor Sawyer is survived by his wife Bette Sawyer, his daughter Gail Sawyer and his brother Harry Sawyer; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of Nevada, the Senate Concurring, That the Nevada Legislature extends its heartfelt sympathy to the family of Governor Grant Sawyer; and be it further
Resolved, That the Nevada Legislature along with the entire state honors the important advances achieved for the State of Nevada by Governor Grant Sawyer, and finds solace and inspiration in his singular example of commitment and accomplishment; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to Governor Sawyer's widow, Bette Sawyer.