2022 -- H 8262

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXTENDING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF LIEUTENANT

COMMANDER BURL RICHARD PEGDEN, USN RET.

     Introduced By: Representatives Craven, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Ackerman, McEntee,
Ruggiero, Kennedy, Diaz, Vella-Wilkinson, and Azzinaro

     Date Introduced: May 18, 2022

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this House has learned of the passing of LCDR

Burl R. Pegden, USN Ret., the beloved husband of the late Laurette Ann Marie Pegden, and the

devoted father of two daughters, our friend and colleague, Susan Pegden, and her fiancé, Richard

Sweeney; and Sandra Schafer and her husband, Thomas Schafer. He was also the very proud

grandfather of Emily Horowitz and her fiancé, Michael Gaudreau; and Benjamin Schafer and

Sierra Schafer; and

     WHEREAS, LCDR Pegden served our country for twenty-seven years, with honor and

valor, in the United States Navy, and had been deployed in both Korea and Vietnam. Over the

course of his decorated military career he had been a repair officer on swift boats and numerous

ships and had advanced through fifteen ranks, retiring as a Lieutenant Commander; and

     WHEREAS, Dick, as he was known by all, and his wife travelled the country together,

from naval base to naval base, towing along two kids and their pet fish, turtles, frogs, hamsters

and dogs. No matter where they lived, their house was always a loving home; and

     WHEREAS, When he was deployed overseas, Mr. Pegden would call home to his family

once a month, but as with all those whose loved ones serve far from home and in often dangerous

and difficult circumstances, his family at home worried and watched the nightly news for any

information, so his calls home always ended with a comforting "over and out"; and

     WHEREAS, As tribute to the love and pride his family had for Mr. Pegden, his daughter

Sue's fiancé wrote a beautiful poem in his honor entitled "A Farewell to a Sailor" that reads:

Fair winds and following seas, a warm sun and gentle breeze,

Square the yard and make for home, back to your family, no more to roam.

Fair winds and following seas, a warm sun and gentle breeze,

Your duty finished, your day is done, steer your ship to the setting sun.

Fair winds and following seas, a warm sun and gentle breeze; and

     WHEREAS, Our thoughts and hearts hold great empathy and sorrow for the family of

Burl Pegden and it is essential they know that we recognize that our freedom and human rights

were safeguarded by his service, "over and out"; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

extends deepest sympathy on the passing of LCDR Burl R. Pegden, USN Ret.; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Susan Pegden and Family, and Sandra Schafer

and Family.

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