WHEREAS,  the Honorable Dan A. Gwadosky, of Augusta, passed away on August 10, 2011 at the age of 57, with his loving family at his side, after living a vital and energetic life of commitment to other people and to the State of Maine; and

WHEREAS,  Dan A. Gwadosky had a long and successful political career with the State of Maine extending 33 years, exemplifying the spirit of public service and proving that honor, honesty and integrity are all attributes still held in high esteem by the people; and

WHEREAS,  Mr. Gwadosky was born in Waterville and raised in Fairfield, was a graduate of Lawrence High School and received a bachelor's degree and a master’s degree from Thomas College, which recently awarded him an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters; and

WHEREAS,  Mr. Gwadosky was first elected to the Maine House of Representatives in 1978 at the age of 23, representing the Town of Fairfield, and served 18 years in the House with distinction, elected Assistant Majority Leader in 1986, House Majority Leader in 1988 and Chair of the Legislative Council in 1992 and sworn in as the 92nd Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives in 1994; and

WHEREAS,  as the Speaker of the House, Mr. Gwadosky’s goals were to reform the legislative institution and build a new sense of civility, cooperation and common purpose in the House of Representatives, which he did during a difficult transitional period; and

WHEREAS,  in 1997, Mr. Gwadosky was elected Maine’s 46th Secretary of State, serving for 8 years and helping to bring his office into the digital age and serving as President of the National Association of Secretaries of State from 2002 to 2003; and

WHEREAS,  Mr. Gwadosky served 6 years as Director of the Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations, and also served as chair of the National Alcoholic Beverage Control Association; and

WHEREAS,  Mr. Gwadosky was known for his quick wit, his political astuteness and his desire to help all Maine people and especially for his love of family, State and Nation; and

WHEREAS,  the untimely passing of the Honorable Dan A. Gwadosky has saddened not only those whose lives he touched, but the entire State of Maine; now, therefore, be it