SR0832 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0832 LRB100 13943 ALS 28682 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Michael Patrick Townsend of Springfield, who passed away on August 18, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Michael Townsend was born in Springfield to Robert and Eileen (Huber) Townsend on November 23, 1939; he graduated from Cathedral Boys High School in 1957; he attended Illinois College and graduated in 1961; he earned his Masters in Social Work from West Virginia University in 1966; he married Carol Piascik in Springfield on September 3, 1960; and

WHEREAS, Michael Townsend began his career as the district administrator of Children and Family Services of Sangamon County, where he counseled at-risk-youth; for over 30 years, he was a professor at Sangamon State University (University of Illinois Springfield), where he received Faculty Emeritus as an Associate Professor of Human Services and Social Work; he engaged his students in service learning and continuously told them how fortunate they were to be pursuing a career where they would make a difference in the lives of others; he founded and directed many local organizations and groups that encouraged change and equality; and

WHEREAS, Michael Townsend was a St. Louis Cardinals fan and an even bigger fan of Santa Claus; his greatest love was his family; and

WHEREAS, Michael Townsend was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his sister-in-law, Nancy Barley; and his brothers, Tommy and Dan; and

WHEREAS, Michael Townsend is survived by his daughters, Laura Townsend, Julie (Jeff) Keeney, Jennifer Townsend, and Angela (James) Burleson; his grandchildren, Jerry Roof, Ian Ericksen, Hannah (Cody) Keeney-Meyer, Chloe Pointer, Madeline and Daniel Burleson, and Eli Hill; his siblings, Nancy (Carl) Saladino, Mary Teresa Ballentine, Jean Townsend, Pat (Bill) Anderson, Carol Townsend, Marilyn (Joe) Mueller, Janet (Chuck) Reynolds, and David (Michelle) Townsend; therefore, be it

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