SR877: SR877 Coffin, Tom; condolences

26 LC 112 3761 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.1 WHEREAS, Tom Coffin was a lifelong advocate for justice, equali ty, and the dignity of2 working people whose 82 years of purpose-driven life were marke d by what he often3 described as making "good trouble"; and4 WHEREAS, born on September 1, 1943, in Dearborn, Michigan, and raised in Soap Lake,5 he developed an early appreciation for literature, the natural world, and the power of ideas6 to shape communities; and7 WHEREAS, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in literature from Reed College in 1967 and later8 achieved a Doctor of Philosophy in forestry from the University of Georgia in 1995,9 reflecting a lifelong commitment to learning and scholarship; and10 WHEREAS, in 1968, he co-founded and became the first editor of Atlanta's cooperatively11 owned underground newspaper, The Great Speckled Bird , affectionately known as "The12 Bird," which became one of the most influential independent newspapers of its era, reaching13 a weekly circulation of 30,000 and blending political reporting with cultural and social14 activism; and15 S. R. 877 - 1 - 26 LC 112 3761 WHEREAS, through its coverage of the Vietnam War, the women's l iberation and gay16 liberation movements, labor struggles, and local community issues, The Bird embodied Mr.17 Coffin's steadfast belief in free expression and grassroots journalism, and he later worked to18 preserve its legacy through collaboration with the Georgia Stat e University Archives to19 create a digitized collection and oral history project for future generations; and20 WHEREAS, from 1976 to 1989, Mr. Coffin worked in Atlanta's cons truction trades,21 including as a crane operator with Local 926 of the Operating Engineers, exemplifying his22 deep respect for organized labor and solidarity with working men and women; and23 WHEREAS, after earning his doctorate, he served as an adjunct p rofessor of sociology at24 Georgia State University, where he courageously advocated for the rights of adjunct faculty25 to organize, and he later served as head field arborist for the City of Atlanta, where his26 commitment to integrity led him to file and ultimately prevail in a whistleblower action; and27 WHEREAS, he helped organize the first chapter of the Georgia Ar borist Association, the28 state chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture, and shared his expertise as an avid29 tree climber and instructor across the nation, reflecting his e nduring dedication to30 environmental stewardship; and31 WHEREAS, Mr. Coffin's life was defined not only by activism and professional achievement32 but also by devotion to family, community, and simple joys—including his reputation as an33 excellent cook, particularly at breakfast—and by his partnership of 58 years with his beloved34 wife, Stephanie, alongside his children, grandchildren, and extended family.35 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body36 honor the life and legacy of Tom Coffin, whose unwavering commitment to human rights,37 S. R. 877 - 2 - 26 LC 112 3761 environmental stewardship, independent journalism, and organized labor leaves an enduring38 imprint on the State of Georgia and beyond.39 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed40 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the family of Tom41 Coffin.42 S. R. 877 - 3 -