Label
All Council Members
Title
Memorializing and Honoring the life of Andrew “Andy” Grant Douglas.
Summary
WHEREAS, (Justice) Andy Douglas was a true public servant and leader of the community for more than 60 years, committing his life to protecting all people from discrimination; and
WHEREAS, Andrew Grant Douglas was born on July 5, 1932 to immigrant parents, Elizabeth Wilson Douglas and Andrew Douglas, in the City of Toledo, Ohio; he grew up in North Toledo where he developed the attitude of a north-ender; “If we wanted to we could move mountains”; and
WHEREAS, after Andy graduated Woodward High School, he served as 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and attended the University of Toledo for undergrad and Law school; he was admitted to the Bar in 1960 and ran for his first tenure to public office in 1961, winning by a landslide as top vote getter to Toledo City Council; and
WHEREAS, as a City Councilman, he served ten two-year terms, always fighting for the underserved; and one of his greatest accomplishments being The Master Plans for water and sewer facility expansions and flooding relief for Toledoans; leaving in 1981 to take his seat as Judge for the 6th District Court of Appeals; and
WHEREAS, Andy had a commitment to the law and all it stood for, telling anyone contemplating law school, “Do it!”; he had a brilliant legal mind, considered by many colleagues as one of the most intelligent members of the Supreme Court, and mentored many in the area, including Judge Joe McNamara, Judge Michael Goulding, Attorney Fritz Byers and Mayor Carty Finkbeiner. Andy told all lawyers he mentored that their closing statement every evening be: “Thank you Lord, today I was able to help somebody”; and
WHEREAS, Justice Douglas served one term at the 6th District Court of Appeals, then was elected to the Supreme Court of Ohio in 1984 and was re-elected in 1990 and 1996; referring to his time serving as Supreme Court Justice as an Intellectual Feast, he joined with Justices Resnick, Pfeiffer and Sweeney to forge a majority known as the Gang of Four; and
WHEREAS, Justice Douglas regarded his most significant Judicial decisions to be: DeRolph vs State of Ohio, constitutionality of public-school funding, the rights of the press and the advancement of the rights of women and minorities; and
WHEREAS, Justice Douglas upon reaching the mandatory age of retirement of 70, he retired his seat from the bench in 2002; he did not retire his love of the law nor his practice of representing those most in need, continuing to advocate for Toledo and represent them post retirement in a case regarding Criminal Justice costs resulting in saving the citizens of Toledo over 10 Million dollars annually; and
WHEREAS, Andy Douglas’ commitment to the betterment of those in need who were underserved continue to live on in the hearts of the Toledo Community and Ohioans. May his legacy live on through his own words: “May everyone who needed to invoke my service receive a fair shake, and those who really needed help knew where to come and were assured that at least they would be fairly heard”; and
WHEREAS, Andy will live on in memories of many, and condolences are extended to his wife Sue; children, Cynthia, Robert, Andrew and David; as well as eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren; NOW, THEREFORE,
Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Toledo:
SECTION 1. That the achievements, contributions, compassion and overall life of Andy Douglas be recognized and remembered for his remarkable spirit and dedication to those less fortunate.
SECTION 2. That this Resolution shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.
Adopted: _________________: yeas ______, nays ______.
Attest: _________________________ __________________________________
Clerk of Council President of Council
Approved: ______________________ _________________________________
Mayor
I hereby certify that the above is a true and correct copy of a Resolution adopted by Council ________________________.
Attest: _________________________
Clerk of Council