SR0330 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0330 LRB102 18691 LAW 27152 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of William "Bill" Keith of Rock Island, who passed away on May 24, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Bill Keith was born in West Liberty, Iowa to William F. and Velva Dunlap Keith on April 7, 1923; he was raised by his aunt and uncle, Henry and Marcella Wichelman, on a farm in rural Davenport; he graduated from Davenport High School in 1941; he served in the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. Iowa during World War II; he married Donna L. Esterbrook in 1946, and she preceded him in death on February 25, 1998; and

WHEREAS, Bill Keith purchased the Tri-City Publishing Co. in 1955, and he served as editor of the Tri-City Labor Review until his retirement in 1991; and

WHEREAS, Bill Keith was an avid golfer, a championship bridge player, a bowler, a boater, a water skier, and a snow skier; he was known for being a prankster, and his pranks were often accompanied by his distinctly recognizable laugh; he will be remembered for finding joy in everything he did and bringing joy to everyone he touched; and

WHEREAS, Bill Keith was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and five siblings; and

WHEREAS, Bill Keith is survived by his daughter, Vicky Keith, and her wife, Madeliene Abling; his son, William Keith Jr., and his life partner, Dorothy Gehlken; his grandson, Eric (Tara) Keith; his sisters, Lucille Nealson, Bonnie (Fred) King, and Barbara DeGood; and numerous nieces, nephews, and their families; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of William "Bill" Keith 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 Bill Keith as an expression of our deepest sympathy.