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1
SENATE RESOLUTION

  
 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to 
3learn of the death of William John "Bill" Harris, who passed 
4away on January 21, 2019 at the age of 63; and
  
 
5    WHEREAS, William Harris graduated from Oak Park and River 
6Forest High School in 1973; during his youth, he was active in 
7the Boy Scout program and earned the Rank of Eagle Scout while 
8a member of Troop 8 in Oak Park; he also participated in a Drum 
9and Bugle Corps; and
  
 
10    WHEREAS, William Harris received training in the heating 
11and air conditioning field and was later employed by the 
12Overhead Garage Door Company for more than 20 years; and
  
 
13    WHEREAS, William Harris was a supportive and loving father, 
14even during difficult times, including when his son Joshua 
15asked his permission to enlist in the Illinois National Guard; 
16he admitted it was a difficult decision, but after the initial 
17shock wore off, he supported his son; he later became an active 
18and dedicated participant in the Gold Star Families Program and 
19thoroughly enjoyed his time working with them; he became 
20involved when his son, Sergeant Joshua Harris of the 2nd 
21Battalion, 122nd Field Artillery Regiment, was killed in action 
22with four others in Afghanistan on September 17, 2008; and
  
 
 
 
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1    WHEREAS, William Harris was also involved with the 
2Brookfield VFW Post, which was renamed the Joshua Harris 
3Brookfield Memorial Post #2868 in remembrance of his son; the 
4Harris family, led by daughter Kalyn, also passed on the 
5importance of Memorial Day when they helped arrange a special 
6presentation by then-Governor Pat Quinn at Congress Park 
7Elementary School, where Joshua's younger sister attended 
8school; students, faculty, and staff at the school remember and 
9"will forever treasure the many memories he brought to many of 
10us"; and
  
 
11    WHEREAS, William Harris volunteered at Hines VA Hospital; 
12one of his last projects was to create large Christmas cutouts 
13for the Village of Brookfield; he was willing to give his time 
14to his family, friends, and any others who might have needed 
15help; and
  
 
16    WHEREAS, Despite an extended illness, William Harris had a 
17big smile, was a positive thinker, and had a marvelous sense of 
18humor; he was loved by all who met him; and
  
 
19    WHEREAS, William Harris was a former member of Judson 
20Baptist Church in Oak Park and St. John Lutheran Church in 
21Forest Park, as well as a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in 
22Burr Ridge; and
  
 
 
 
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1    WHEREAS, William Harris was preceded in death by his 
2father, William A. Harris, and his son, Sergeant Joshua Harris; 
3and
  
 
4    WHEREAS, William Harris is survived by his wife, Jean G. 
5Harris; his daughters, Kristin Dutra and Kalyn Harris; his 
6grandchildren, Tyler and Breana; his mother, Virginia C. 
7Harris; and his sisters, Sandra (Edward) Qintrall and Gail, 
8Susan, and Mary (John) Raad; therefore, be it
  
 
9    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL 
10ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of 
11William John "Bill" Harris and extend our sincere condolences 
12to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be 
13it further
  
 
14    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
15presented to the family of William Harris as an expression of 
16our deepest sympathy.