SR1043 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1043 LRB100 15370 ALS 30344 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Marilyn F. Campbell of Georgetown, who passed away on September 21, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Marilyn Campbell was born in Terre Haute, Indiana to Carl Wesley and Elsie Fern (Watson) Campbell in March 1941; she graduated from Gerstmeyer High school in Terre Haute; she then earned a Bachelor and Master's Degree in Biology from Indiana State; she also completed many hours of additional study at Colorado State University; and

WHEREAS, Marilyn Campbell made a career of education both inside and outside the classroom; she first taught high school in Indiana; Illinois became her home when she accepted a faculty position at Danville Area Community College; her next opportunity came with the formation of the Vermilion County Conservation District; she was chosen to become the chief naturalist in 1969; she then became the Director of Education and Programs and created the county-wide outdoor education program; she advanced to become Deputy Director of the conservation district; she assisted in the creation of a prairie at Forest Glen, which was dedicated as a one-of-a-kind Illinois Nature Preserve in 1998; she was the face of conservation in Vermilion County for many people, especially the school children who attended outdoor camps; and

WHEREAS, For the first few years with the district, Marilyn lived in a house within Forest Glen, which she chronicled in her book "At Home in Forest Glen"; for the rest of her life, Forest Glen was the place where she most wanted to be in her spare time; and

WHEREAS, Marilyn Campbell accepted the offer to become Executive Director of the Illinois Audubon Society in 1994; under her leadership, the organization advanced financially, increased its education offerings, and developed new relationships with many organizations; she spearheaded land acquisition and protection for threatened and endangered species, and oversaw sanctuaries around the state; her tireless efforts resulted in increased membership, the formation of new chapters, and improved protection of the flora and fauna of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Upon Marilyn Campbell's retirement in 2006, the Illinois Audubon Society honored her career in education by establishing the Marilyn F. Campbell scholarship at Danville Area Community College; after her retirement, she volunteered her time as editor of the Illinois Audubon Society's magazine; and

WHEREAS, Marilyn Campbell was a consultant to the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission and was a member of the State's Endangered Species Protection Board; she also volunteered at the local food bank, assisted with the Feed the Children Backpack Program, and held officer positions with the Middlefork Audubon Society of Vermilion County; she joined Therapy Dogs International, became a Certified Evaluator, and worked with over 225 dogs and their owners; she and her own collies made therapeutic visits to area nursing homes, children's camps, and the Veterans Affairs health system; she developed bonds with many of the veterans and felt a loss when they passed; and

WHEREAS, Marilyn Campbell was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Carol Ann, in infancy; and her best friend, Betty Youngblood; and

WHEREAS, Marilyn Campbell is survived by her sister, Mary Ellen Robertson; her niece Rhonda (John) Branca; her nephew, Anthony (Cathy) Branca; her many friends; and her collie, Hannah; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Marilyn F. Campbell and extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Marilyn Campbell as an expression of our deepest sympathy.