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1		SENATE RESOLUTION
2		WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened
3		to learn of the death of Richard S. Pepper, who passed away on
4		January 28, 2021; and
5		WHEREAS, Richard Pepper was born on June 23, 1930; he
6		earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from
7		Northwestern University in 1953; he married Roxelyn "Roxy"
8		Miller; and
9		WHEREAS, Richard Pepper began his career working as an
10		estimator for Pepper Construction, which was founded by his
11		father Stanley F. Pepper in 1927; he assumed leadership of the
12		company at the age of 27 after his father's passing in 1957,
13		and he continued in a leadership role until his passing;
14		together with his wife, he developed Pepper Construction into
15		a nationally recognized construction firm with annual revenues
16		exceeding $1 billion, with its headquarters located in Chicago
17		and offices in Barrington, Indianapolis, Columbus, Cincinnati,
18		and Milwaukee; and
19		WHEREAS, Richard Pepper held a number of leadership roles,
20		including serving as life director to the Associated General
21		Contractors of America, as chairman of the Chicago and
22		Northeast Illinois District Council of Carpenters' apprentice

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1		and trainee program, and as trustee and treasurer for the
2		council's welfare and pension fund; he joined the John Evans
3		Club in 1957, where he served as chair from 1980 to 1983 and
4		was named life director at the end of his term; he was a
5		founding member of the American Institute of Constructors
6		(AIC); he also brought his peers together to form the American
7		Contractors Insurance Group (ACIG), which fosters
8		collaboration on best practices to increase safety and
9		minimize risk; and
10		WHEREAS, Alongside his wife, Richard Pepper supported
11		several community and educational institutions, including the
12		Melody Elementary School, the Northwest Suburban Council of
13		the Boy Scouts of America, the Swedish Covenant Hospital
14		Foundation, Maryville's Center for Children, the Max McGraw
15		Wildlife Foundation, the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, the
16		Lincoln Park Zoo, and Northwestern University; they endowed
17		Northwestern University's undergraduate laboratories in Civil
18		and Environmental Engineering; for their efforts, Northwestern
19		University dedicated the Civil and Environmental Engineering
20		Wing of the Technological Institute to the Peppers in 1998;
21		they also endowed the Department of Communication Sciences and
22		Disorders; they supported the Athletics Department throughout
23		the years and were the lead benefactors of the new baseball
24		stadium in 2016, which was named the Rocky and Berenice Miller
25		Park in honor of Roxy's parents; and

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1		WHEREAS, Richard Pepper and his wife were awarded a 2001
2		Alumni Medal by the Northwestern Alumni Association; he was
3		also the recipient of a 1986 Merit Award and a 1987 Service
4		Award; and
5		WHEREAS, Richard Pepper was known for his partnership with
6		his wife Roxy; together, they were known for their generosity,
7		valuing people first, striving to do the right thing no matter
8		how difficult, and enjoying life despite the challenges they
9		faced; he left an indelible mark on the construction industry,
10		and he will be missed; and
11		WHEREAS, Richard Pepper was preceded in death by his son
12		and former Pepper Construction CEO, Dave Pepper, and his
13		daughter-in-law, Katy; and
14		WHEREAS, Richard Pepper is survived by his wife of 69
15		years, Roxy; his children, Stan (Chris) Pepper, Lynda (Bob)
16		Bollman, Richard Pepper, Lisa Pepper, and Scot Pepper; his 18
17		grandchildren; and his 18 great-grandchildren; therefore, be
18		it
19		RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL
20		ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
21		Richard S. Pepper and extend our sincere condolences to his

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1		family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it
2		further
3		RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
4		presented to the family of Richard Pepper as an expression of
5		our deepest sympathy.