Bill Text: IL SR1884 | 2017-2018 | 100th General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourns the death of William J. Laskey of Crystal Lake.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2018-11-15 - Resolution Adopted [SR1884 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2017-SR1884-Introduced.html

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SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to
learn of the death of William J. "Bill" Laskey of Crystal Lake,
who passed away on June 8, 2018; and
WHEREAS, Bill Laskey was born in Chicago to William
Jennings and Gertrude Laskey on October 3, 1922; he loved music
and began working professionally as a jazz saxophonist while
still in high school; he served during World War II as a radio
operator and was stationed in India; after the war, he studied
at the Chicago Conservatory of Music, Roosevelt University, and
the University of Illinois, earning degrees in clarinet
performance and music education; and
WHEREAS, Bill Laskey became a high school band director,
teaching in Rossville and then at Crystal Lake Central High
School, where he retired in 1980 after eventually being named
as head of the music department; in the 1970s, he expanded and
revamped the Crystal Lake marching band program to include
summer competitions; under his leadership, the Heraldry Guard,
with students from both Central and South High Schools, won
numerous competitions and accolades for their marching,
innovation, and musicianship; during his tenure, he taught
beginning band, symphonic band, jazz band, marching band and
music theory and appreciation; and

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WHEREAS, Following his retirement from teaching, Bill
Laskey pursued many interests including photography, golf, and
travel; at the age of 79, he took flying lessons and earned his
pilot license; he remained immersed in music, conducting
musicals at the Woodstock Opera House and recording several
solo CDs that featured him playing jazz standards on the
saxophone; and
WHEREAS, Bill Laskey was honored to have been chosen as the
grand marshal for the 2015 Crystal Lake Independence Day
Parade; in recent years, the Crystal Lake Strikers drumline
established the William Laskey scholarship, which is awarded
each year to aspiring percussion students; and
WHEREAS, Bill Laskey was preceded in death by his parents;
his sister, Dorothy Smith; and his wife, Joanne; and
WHEREAS, Bill Laskey is survived by his children, Elizabeth
(Bruce) Laskey, John (Liz) Laskey, Mary (Grant) Laskey, and
James Laskey, and his dear companion, Betty Jean Stoltze;
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL
ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
William J. "Bill" Laskey, and extend our sincere condolences to

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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 Bill Laskey as an expression of our
deepest sympathy.