HJ0144 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0144 LRB099 21475 GRL 47672 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois General Assembly are saddened to learn of the death of Ken Christy, who passed away on March 26, 2016; and

WHEREAS, Ken Christy was born in Chicago on September 18, 1944 and grew up in Bellwood; he graduated from Proviso West High School and attended Triton College, DePaul University, and the University of Illinois; he was a resident of Aurora for 39 years; and

WHEREAS, Ken Christy worked as a letter carrier in Aurora for 31 years until his retirement in 2011; prior to becoming a letter carrier, he worked in retail management for a national grocery store chain; and

WHEREAS, Ken Christy served as president for the local National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 219 in Aurora, a position that he held for 25 years; he continued his work as an advocate for letter carriers as president of the Illinois State Association of Letter Carriers until his passing; and

WHEREAS, As president of the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 219 and the Illinois State Association of Letter Carriers, Ken Christy prioritized the letter carriers' annual food drive "Stamp Out Hunger" and support for the Muscular Dystrophy Association; he was also known for working tirelessly in his lobbying efforts on behalf of the union; and

WHEREAS, In 2012, Ken Christy was elected to the Illinois Hall of Fame for Letter Carriers in honor of his work; he was also awarded the Kane County Democrat Harry S. Truman Award in 2012; and

WHEREAS, Ken Christy is survived by his wife of 52 years, Bonnie; his three daughters; and his five grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, The members of the General Assembly believe that it would be fitting and proper for the United States government to honor the life and work of Ken Christy by renaming the Post Office Building in Aurora after him; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we urge Congress to pass legislation to rename the Post Office Building in Aurora in honor of Ken Christy and his work in representing National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 219; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the members of the Illinois congressional delegation.