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TO EXPRESS THE SINCERE CONDOLENCES OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE TO THE FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS OF THE LATE EDGAR L. MCGOWAN OF COLUMBIA.
Whereas, Edgar L. McGowan of Columbia, South Carolina faithfully served his country during World War II as a member of the United States Army in combat zones throughout the European Theater of Operations; and
Whereas, at the conclusion of the war, he returned to his home state and earned Bachelor of Science, Master of Accounting and Juris Doctorate degrees from the University of South Carolina; and
Whereas, because of his interest in education and young people, Mr. McGowan taught accounting to thousands of students during a twenty-five year career as an instructor, adjunct professor, and associate professor at the University of South Carolina School of Business from 1946 to 1971; and
Whereas, serving with distinction as South Carolina Commissioner of Labor from February 7, 1971, to June 30, 1989, Mr. McGowan worked with Governors John C. West, James B. Edwards, Richard W. Riley, and Carroll A. Campbell, Jr.; and
Whereas, successful in securing passage by the state legislature of the South Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Act in 1971, the first in the nation, Mr. McGowan led South Carolina in becoming the first State to receive authorization from the United States Department of Labor to operate a state OSHA program; and
Whereas, in 1973, Mr. McGowan established a Division of Labor - Management Services in the state Department of Labor to conciliate employer-employee disputes with fairness for both parties, the first and only program of its kind in the nation and hailed by "Harvard Business Review" in 1985 as a model for other states to follow; and
Whereas, working for and attaining legislation in 1985 requiring inspection and licensing of elevators and amusement rides by the state Department of Labor, Mr. McGowan also supported the successful passage of legislation strengthening payment of wages and child labor laws; and
Whereas, in addition to serving as President of the National Association of Governmental Labor Officials, Mr. McGowan also served as Chairman of the Occupational Safety and Health State Plans Association; and
Whereas, upon his retirement in 1989 as state Commissioner of Labor, Mr. McGowan's nineteen-year tenure was hailed as being one of fairness and impartiality and promoted amicable business-labor relations in the State; and
Whereas, following his retirement as Commissioner of Labor, Mr. McGowan continued to promote worker safety and health across the nation as an attorney with the law firm of Constangy, Brooks and Smith; and
Whereas, Mr. McGowan leaves a legacy of forty-five years of public service to the Palmetto State and the nation as well as a lifetime of devotion to his family and friends; and
Whereas, Mr. McGowan is survived by his wife, Mildred Parris McGowan, a son and daughter-in-law, E. Linden and Barbara McGowan, a grandson, Jonathan McGowan, and many other relatives and friends; and
Whereas, Edgar McGowan's life exemplifies the dedication and hard work of South Carolina's treasured public servants and his presence will be sorely missed. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the Senate of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, express their sincere condolences to the family and many friends of the late Edgar L. McGowan of Columbia.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Edgar L. McGowan.
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