SR1960 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1960 LRB100 22853 MST 41835 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Richard Lee "Dick" Emery of Crystal Lake, who passed away on July 17, 2018; and

WHEREAS, Dick Emery was born in Altadena, California to Talitha Youngblood and Francis Eric Emery on May 21, 1938; his family lived briefly in Pasadena, where he attended St. Peter's Catholic School through the second grade; his family then moved to Concord, where he was a student at Queen of All Saints School and a graduate of Mount Diablo High School, where he played football and baseball; and

WHEREAS, In 1957, Dick Emery enlisted in the U.S. Navy to pursue his dream of flying; in 1958, he entered officer candidate school and flight training as a member of the Naval Aviation Cadet Drill Team "58" at NAS Pensacola; he earned his Navy Wings of Gold in February of 1960; he was discharged from active service in July of 1962, but he continued in the Naval Reserves and retired after 20 years with the rank of Commander; and

WHEREAS, Dick Emery graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business and Industrial Management from San Jose State University in February of 1966; he married Betty Lou on February 10, 1967; and

WHEREAS, Dick Emery was hired by United Airlines and began his career in San Francisco then moved to Crystal Lake, where he flew out of O'Hare International Airport; in 1985, he was promoted to captain; he retired in June of 1998 after a career of 32 years; and

WHEREAS, In retirement, Dick Emery looked forward to building and living in his dream home with Betty Lou, their yearly trips to Maui with friends and family, and watching his grandchildren learn how to swim; he could always be found poolside working on cryptograph and Sudoku puzzles; he also enjoyed a lively debate; and

WHEREAS, Dick Emery was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Kathy; and his best friend and brother, Bill; and

WHEREAS, Dick Emery is survived by his wife of 51 years, Betty Lou; his sons, Christopher and Eric; his daughters-in-law, Jennifer and Deanna; his grandchildren, Will, Julia, and Elise; and his sister, Mary Woods; 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 Lee "Dick" Emery, 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 Dick Emery as an expression of our deepest sympathy.