SR 877: Coffin, Tom; condolences

Senate Resolution 877

By: Senators Orrock of the 36th, Wicks of the 34th, James of the 28th, Mangham of the 55th, Jackson of the 41st and others

A RESOLUTION

Honoring the life and legacy of Tom Coffin; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Tom Coffin was a lifelong advocate for justice, equality, and the dignity of working people whose 82 years of purpose-driven life were marked by what he often described as making "good trouble"; and

WHEREAS, born on September 1, 1943, in Dearborn, Michigan, and raised in Soap Lake, he developed an early appreciation for literature, the natural world, and the power of ideas to shape communities; and

WHEREAS, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in literature from Reed College in 1967 and later achieved a Doctor of Philosophy in forestry from the University of Georgia in 1995, reflecting a lifelong commitment to learning and scholarship; and

WHEREAS, in 1968, he co-founded and became the first editor of Atlanta's cooperatively owned underground newspaper, The Great Speckled Bird, affectionately known as "The Bird," which became one of the most influential independent newspapers of its era, reaching a weekly circulation of 30,000 and blending political reporting with cultural and social activism; and

WHEREAS, through its coverage of the Vietnam War, the women's liberation and gay liberation movements, labor struggles, and local community issues, The Bird embodied Mr. Coffin's steadfast belief in free expression and grassroots journalism, and he later worked to preserve its legacy through collaboration with the Georgia State University Archives to create a digitized collection and oral history project for future generations; and

WHEREAS, from 1976 to 1989, Mr. Coffin worked in Atlanta's construction trades, including as a crane operator with Local 926 of the Operating Engineers, exemplifying his deep respect for organized labor and solidarity with working men and women; and

WHEREAS, after earning his doctorate, he served as an adjunct professor of sociology at Georgia State University, where he courageously advocated for the rights of adjunct faculty to organize, and he later served as head field arborist for the City of Atlanta, where his commitment to integrity led him to file and ultimately prevail in a whistleblower action; and

WHEREAS, he helped organize the first chapter of the Georgia Arborist Association, the state chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture, and shared his expertise as an avid tree climber and instructor across the nation, reflecting his enduring dedication to environmental stewardship; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Coffin's life was defined not only by activism and professional achievement but also by devotion to family, community, and simple joys—including his reputation as an excellent cook, particularly at breakfast—and by his partnership of 58 years with his beloved wife, Stephanie, alongside his children, grandchildren, and extended family.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body honor the life and legacy of Tom Coffin, whose unwavering commitment to human rights, environmental stewardship, independent journalism, and organized labor leaves an enduring imprint on the State of Georgia and beyond.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the family of Tom Coffin.