SR0650 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0650 LRB101 14146 ALS 63014 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of George Delhaye of Westville, who passed away on August 27, 2019; and

WHEREAS, George Delhaye was born in Westville to Louis and Helen Ames Delhaye on October 3, 1936; he attended Westville schools and graduated in 1955; he joined the United States Navy Reserve; he married Sonna Shaw on September 9, 1957; and

WHEREAS, George Delhaye entered the workforce at an early age and began his career at Davies Packing Company; he then worked in building maintenance for Tee Pak and retired in 1999 after 35 years of service; he was a member of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 686; and

WHEREAS, George Delhaye was dedicated to the Village of Westville; he was Chairman of the Westville Historical Depot and Museum; he was instrumental in linking the past to the present, most recently with "Our Town Westville," a featured segment on WCIA Channel 3; he helped coordinate the Lithuanian Day in Westville, the new heritage flag, and the new historical mural and coal cars at the depot grounds; as a local historian, he spent many hours collecting and displaying memorabilia, gathering donations, guiding tours, teaching students, and making sure the depot was maintained; he was honored alongside all committee members of the Westville Depot as Honorary Marshals of the Annual Westville Labor Day Parade and Celebration in 2013; and

WHEREAS, George Delhaye was an avid sportsman; early in life, he enjoyed hunting ducks, geese, rabbits, squirrels, and doves; his passion was deer hunting; he was also an experienced angler with a wealth of knowledge; he was a master craftsman and built his own fishing rods and tackle; he owned Rod Crafters and was proud of the custom lures he created; he fished many lake and river systems with his son, Gary; he enjoyed looking for morel and fall mushrooms; he was a dedicated gardener, and his yard was featured on the Vermilion County Garden Walk sponsored by the Master Gardeners; he enjoyed visiting antique shops, flea markets, and garage sales; he had a true humanitarian spirit and was the epitome of volunteerism; he loved his family, friends, and community; and

WHEREAS, George Delhaye was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 50 years, Sonna; his brother, Richard; and his sister, Mae Carstens; and

WHEREAS, George Delhaye is survived by his sister, Maryann (Delhaye) Shapuras; his brother-in-law, Bob Shapuras; his sons, Jim (Christine) Delhaye and Gary (Laurie Danzl) Delhaye; his daughter, Georgette (Charles) Sermersheim; his grandchildren, Joey, Elly, and Maddy Sermersheim and Amy Michelin; his great-grandchildren, Aubrie Michelin, Oliver, and a great-granddaughter on the way; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of George Delhaye 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 George Delhaye as an expression of our deepest sympathy.