SR0600 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0600 LRB100 13168 MST 27564 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Arthur "Burt" Atkinson of Waukegan, who passed away on May 25, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Arthur Atkinson was born in Lake Forest to Alfred Fred Atkinson and Frances Bray on August 28, 1939; he graduated from Waukegan High School and married Donna G. Clifton in January of 1966; and

WHEREAS, Arthur Atkinson spent time early in his life working around Lake Michigan and local communities; during the late 1950s and 1960s, he worked at the Outboard Marine Corporation in the engineering race group as a boat builder, eventually turning his love for the water into a career as a professional fisherman; after transitioning to fishing, he spent time with Falcon Marine in the early 1970s and was a captain on Lake Michigan for nearly 50 years; and

WHEREAS, Starting in the Fall of 1980, Arthur Atkinson served as an advisor to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, overseeing the fisheries restoration of the Great Lakes; he and wife, Donna, are most known for the Atkinson Boat House during the 1970s; known as "the Admiral", he was one of the early captains to begin charter fishing out of Waukegan Harbor and ultimately built a business from it, expanding into commercial fishing shortly thereafter; and

WHEREAS, Arthur Atkinson enjoyed his time as an early member (#104) and contributor to the Waukegan Yacht Club; he contributed to the club via multiple roles over the years, including commodore; and

WHEREAS, Arthur Atkinson is survived by his wife, Donna, and his sons, Arthur and David; therefore, be it

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