February 24, 2003

John Ennis is the epitome of the hard working, dedicated citizen of the Town of Tonawanda. In his professional life he gave a great deal to those whom he served and, at the same time, engaged in a wide variety of volunteer humanitarian works which further served the people of Western New York.

After graduating from Kenmore West, John went on to a career as a licensed Professional Land Surveyor. Most of his work was with Krebiel Associates in a wide variety of projects which enhanced our community - little jobs such as the Niagara Power Project, the SUNY campuses at UB and Buffalo State, the light rail system, the HSBC Building, as well as many, many residential development projects.

In addition to his professional career, John and his wife Nancy devoted an untold number of hours to many volunteer projects. They were active in fundraising for varied activities from the Town's Aquatic Center, Habitat for Humanity, Sled Hockey for the disabled and many others. His project to guide young people in the construction industry with the vocational program at McKinley High School combined his professional expertise with the ability to make available training in the building trade skills have left their mark on a wide range of young people.

John is a member of the Kenmore Rotary Club and again led many community-oriented projects. He has served as President of the Niagara County Builders Association and organized Home Shows for the Association. The Kevin Guest House at Roswell Park is a significant memorial for John as he was able to provide comfortable homes for cancer patients and their families during their treatment times.

In 1996 John organized a survey team to monitor rescue efforts for a construction worker at General Motors trapped in a building collapse. Here he again combined professional competence with a successful saving rescue.

John Ennis is a man who has given of himself for the benefit of others in a huge cross-section of activities. He is the type of man people admire and so many of us are proud to call friend. We honor John and Nancy here tonight as a small tribute to their lifetime of service to the people of the Western New York area.

To John and Nancy we say thanks on behalf of the Town of Tonawanda.

Raymond E. Sinclair, Councilman