HR0884 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0884 LRB103 42060 LAW 75284 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of David "Dave" Dowling of Belleville, who passed away on June 24, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Dave Dowling, the son of Albert and Hazel (Grage) Dowling, was born in Mitchell, South Dakota on June 25, 1948; and

WHEREAS, Dave Dowling served as a labor union activist for United Steelworkers of America (USWA) for over 50 years, during which he advocated for workers' rights and working families while striving for fairness, justice, and equality in the workplace; he began his employment at Granite City Steel on November 18, 1973, becoming shop steward in 1978 before progressing to serving as a grievance committeeman; through USWA Local Union 67, he was elected as recording secretary; he was then elected as president in 1982, a position he held until 1997; he proceeded to accept a staff position with USW International in 1999, being named director of USWA Sub-District 2 shortly thereafter; and

WHEREAS, Dave Dowling served as director of USWA Sub-District 2 for over 20 years; during his tenure, he served as a leader, a mentor, and an advocate; he championed education to benefit local union leaders and members in a number of ways, including training seminars and guest speaker events; he was also instrumental in the creation of the Sub-District 2 Golf Tournament, an event that raises funds towards providing a scholarship to a graduating child of a member from the sub district; until his retirement in February 2021, he never wavered in serving union members and their families with dedication and distinction, carrying his passion to every arbitration case and contract negotiation; and

WHEREAS, Dave Dowling enjoyed researching labor history in Southern Illinois and genealogy; he also enjoyed gardening, horseback riding, general wildlife, photography, biking, and listening to folk music; and

WHEREAS, Dave Dowling was a true giant among union activists and an exemplary scholar of labor history; he will be remembered as a wonderful and loving husband, a dedicated father, and an overall family man; and

WHEREAS, Dave Dowling was preceded in death by his parents; and

WHEREAS, Dave Dowling is survived by his wife of 40 years, Genie Dowling; his daughters, Sarah Dowling and Kaitlyn (Jacob Douglas) Dowling; his brother, Michael (Barbara) Dowling; his sisters-in-law, Debra Williamson and Tina Williamson; and his nieces, Leah (Blake) Davis and Megan Dowling; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of David "Dave" Dowling 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 Dave Dowling as an expression of our deepest sympathy.