Bill Text: IL HR0920 | 2021-2022 | 102nd General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourns the passing of Richard L. "Coach Van" Van Scyoc.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2022-11-15 - Resolution Adopted [HR0920 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2021-HR0920-Introduced.html

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HR0920 LRB102 28601 LAW 40482 r
HOUSE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Richard
L. "Coach Van" Van Scyoc, who passed away on August 5, 2022;
and
WHEREAS, Richard Van Scyoc was born on March 30, 1924; he
was the youngest of five siblings; he attended Eureka High
School, where he made the honor roll, earned varsity letters
in three sports as a Hornet, and gained the nickname "Lefty"
from teammates; he served his country during World War II; he
returned in 1945 and attended Illinois Wesleyan University,
where he competed on the Titans' baseball team as its number
one ace and left-handed pitcher; he married Mary Kathryn
"Fuzz" Frerichs, and they had two daughters before she
preceded him in death in 1976; he later married Karen Storey in
June 1978, and they enjoyed 44 years together, including time
spent with their two sons; and
WHEREAS, Richard Van Scyoc always knew he wanted to play
ball and coach; he began his career at Armington High School as
the men's high school basketball coach in 1949, staying for
three years and creating lasting friendships; he then worked
at Washington Community High School, where he assumed
responsibility for the men's basketball program in 1952 and

HR0920 - 2 - LRB102 28601 LAW 40482 r
also served as athletic director; he led the program for 15
years and had many successful seasons, defeating some of
Peoria's top teams and making the quarterfinals at the 1962
State Tournament; he joined the staff of Peoria Manual High
School in 1966, taking the helm as the men's head basketball
coach; he served at Manual High School for 28 years and ended
his career with 826 wins, becoming the coach with the most wins
in the history of the State of Illinois; during his 46-year
career, he took six teams to the state finals while his teams
became known for their tenacity and mental toughness; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of his career, Richard Van Scyoc
was inducted into the Illinois High School Basketball Coaches
Hall of Fame and the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame; he was
a member of the Peoria Independent Sports Club and became a
lifetime member of Significant Sigma Chi; he was honored with
an endowed scholarship in his name at his alma mater, Illinois
Wesleyan University, by his friends, family, and former
ballplayers in 2007; he was also a member of the First United
Methodist Church of Peoria; and
WHEREAS, Richard Van Scyoc was happiest on the basketball
court with his players; when not on the court, he could be
found with Karen on his sun porch reading a good book or at his
cabin on Lake Vermilion in Minnesota fishing for walleye; he
was proud of his family; and

HR0920 - 3 - LRB102 28601 LAW 40482 r
WHEREAS, Richard Van Scyoc was preceded in death by his
parents, John and Nettie Mae Stover Van Scyoc; his brothers,
Harold Van Scyoc, Harmol Van Scyoc, and Frank Van Scyoc; and
his sisters, Ethel Blunier and Mary Van Scyoc; and
WHEREAS, Richard Van Scyoc is survived by his wife, Karen
Van Scyoc; his daughters, Gwen (Chuck) Westendorf and Jan
(Bob) Bogle; his sons, Steve (Cheryl) Van Waes and Dan
(Jennifer) Van Waes; his grandchildren, Joy, Tiffany, Julie,
Stacy, Leah, Clifton, and Laine; and his eight
great-grandchildren; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
we mourn the passing of Richard L. "Coach Van" Van Scyoc and
extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all
who knew and loved him; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
presented to the family of Richard Van Scyoc as an expression
of our deepest sympathy.