Bill Text: IL SR0734 | 2019-2020 | 101st General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourns the death of William John "Bill" Harris.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2019-10-30 - Resolution Adopted [SR0734 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2019-SR0734-Introduced.html

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SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to
learn of the death of William John "Bill" Harris, who passed
away on January 21, 2019 at the age of 63; and
WHEREAS, William Harris graduated from Oak Park and River
Forest High School in 1973; during his youth, he was active in
the Boy Scout program and earned the Rank of Eagle Scout while
a member of Troop 8 in Oak Park; he also participated in a Drum
and Bugle Corps; and
WHEREAS, William Harris received training in the heating
and air conditioning field and was later employed by the
Overhead Garage Door Company for more than 20 years; and
WHEREAS, William Harris was a supportive and loving father,
even during difficult times, including when his son Joshua
asked his permission to enlist in the Illinois National Guard;
he admitted it was a difficult decision, but after the initial
shock wore off, he supported his son; he later became an active
and dedicated participant in the Gold Star Families Program and
thoroughly enjoyed his time working with them; he became
involved when his son, Sergeant Joshua Harris of the 2nd
Battalion, 122nd Field Artillery Regiment, was killed in action
with four others in Afghanistan on September 17, 2008; and

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WHEREAS, William Harris was also involved with the
Brookfield VFW Post, which was renamed the Joshua Harris
Brookfield Memorial Post #2868 in remembrance of his son; the
Harris family, led by daughter Kalyn, also passed on the
importance of Memorial Day when they helped arrange a special
presentation by then-Governor Pat Quinn at Congress Park
Elementary School, where Joshua's younger sister attended
school; students, faculty, and staff at the school remember and
"will forever treasure the many memories he brought to many of
us"; and
WHEREAS, William Harris volunteered at Hines VA Hospital;
one of his last projects was to create large Christmas cutouts
for the Village of Brookfield; he was willing to give his time
to his family, friends, and any others who might have needed
help; and
WHEREAS, Despite an extended illness, William Harris had a
big smile, was a positive thinker, and had a marvelous sense of
humor; he was loved by all who met him; and
WHEREAS, William Harris was a former member of Judson
Baptist Church in Oak Park and St. John Lutheran Church in
Forest Park, as well as a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in
Burr Ridge; and

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WHEREAS, William Harris was preceded in death by his
father, William A. Harris, and his son, Sergeant Joshua Harris;
and
WHEREAS, William Harris is survived by his wife, Jean G.
Harris; his daughters, Kristin Dutra and Kalyn Harris; his
grandchildren, Tyler and Breana; his mother, Virginia C.
Harris; and his sisters, Sandra (Edward) Qintrall and Gail,
Susan, and Mary (John) Raad; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL
ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
William John "Bill" Harris 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 William Harris as an expression of
our deepest sympathy.