The Governor of South Dakota has proclaimed November 19, 2020 "William 'Jack' Stratton Day" in honor of Stratton, who served for more than 40 years at Homestake Gold Mine and Sanford Underground Research Facility.
Below is South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem's proclamation in full:
"Whereas William 'Jack' Stratton spent more than 40 years in service to the Homestake Mining Company and the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority;
"Whereas Jack was a bridge between the Homestake Mine and the Sanford Underground Research Facility, helping build a solid foundation to secure the future of underground science in the United States;
"Whereas Jack was a guiding force in transforming the Sanford Underground Research Facility from its infancy into a world-leading science research facility;
"Whereas Jack’s expertise and institutional knowledge were instrumental in the safe reopening of the facility, allowing SURF to advance fundamental science;
"Whereas Jack was a leader in the operations of the Ross and Yates Shafts, setting a gold standard for work ethics and professionalism and dedicating himself toward advancing U.S. leadership in underground science;
"Whereas Jack served as mentor to generations of Homestake shaftmen, SDSTA infrastructure technicians, scientists and the entire SURF family;
"Whereas Jack was a person of integrity, possessing great generosity and tremendous compassion for his family, friends and members of the SDSTA team;
"Now, therefore I, Kristi Noem, Governor of South Dakota do hereby proclaim November 19, 2020
"William 'Jack' Stratton Day
"in South Dakota, and I join all South Dakotans in thanking Jack for a lifetime of service on behalf of the people of this state."
