SR1393 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1393 LRB100 20378 ALS 35761 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Richard Nordlof, who passed away on January 31, 2018; and

WHEREAS, Richard Nordlof was born in 1933 and raised in Rockford; he graduated from Rockford East High School in 1951; he graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1955; he married Joanne "Jody" Stafford in October 1955; the couple them moved to Rockford; and

WHEREAS, In Rockford, Richard Nordlof worked for George D. Roper Corp and then Mechanical Tool and Engineering Co.; he later founded Rapid-Air-Corp., MTE Hydraulics, and Delta Power Hydraulic Co.; he earned several patents for his inventions; and

WHEREAS, Richard Nordlof was a performing member and President of the Board of the Mendelssohn Club, and a member of the Board of the Rockford Arts Council; and

WHEREAS, Richard Nordlof donated the money to buy and renovate the former New American Theater in downtown Rockford; in 2012, he donated the building to the Rockford Public Library with the stipulation that the building not be sold or converted for other uses; the building was later named for him; and

WHEREAS, Richard Nordlof was presented the Register Star's Excalibur Award in recognition of his community service in 2007; and

WHEREAS, Richard Nordlof was a businessman and philanthropist who served on numerous boards; he was best known for his affinity for his hometown and his appreciation of the arts; he was a champion for countless community causes and leaves an astonishing legacy of accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Richard Nordlof was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Jody; and

WHEREAS, Richard Nordlof is survived by his children, Gregory (Finny) Nordlof, Bradley (Duawn) Nordlof, Diane (Larry Perez) Nordlof, and Donna (Brian) Nordlof-Hampton; his grandchildren, Eric (Shannon Chilton) Nordlof, Sarah (Scott) Affeldt, Paley Nordlof, and Paige Nordlof; his brother, Ronald (Judy) Nordlof; his sister-in-law, Priscilla Stafford; and his special friend, LoRayne Logan; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Richard Nordlof 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 Nordlof as an expression of our deepest sympathy.