SR0048 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0048 LRB103 29652 ECR 56052 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Raymond Nihlean, who passed away on November 11, 2022; and

WHEREAS, Raymond Nihlean was born to Raymond and Colleen Nihlean in Chicago on March 3, 1963; and

WHEREAS, Raymond Nihlean was a landlord with a heart; during the COVID-19 pandemic, he and his team connected renters with programs, including rent grants and resources for food; for one elderly tenant, he not only found her supportive senior housing and 24/7 caregivers, but he also made funeral arrangements with her pastor after her passing; and

WHEREAS, Raymond Nihlean was a philanthropist who provided resources to help other entrepreneurs flourish, including the Edgewater Uptown Builders Association (EUBA) and other community organizations; through EUBA, he personally provided and engineered state-of-the-art sound and visual equipment to help people communicate more effectively; he donated over $35,000 to help fund Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management training program for local business owners who wanted to take their companies to the next level, and his donation led to the program receiving city funding; he also provided funding and materials for the painting of the mosaic at the gateway to the Bryn Mawr Historic District; and

WHEREAS, Raymond Nihlean was committed to the Edgewater community and youth needs, mentoring many young people and being there for his neighbors; at local events, children and adults alike delighted in his convertible King Midget, a tiny red racing car with headlights that squirted water; for 15 years, he also loved racing; he enjoyed riding his red ATV snowplow on over two miles of sidewalks and alleys after a heavy snowfall so neighbors could safely leave their homes; and

WHEREAS, Raymond Nihlean was known for his optimism, his contagious laugh, and his zest for life; he will be remembered for his generosity and his deeply felt joyfulness; and

WHEREAS, Raymond Nihlean was preceded in death by his parents and his parents-in-law, Gus and June Travlos; and

WHEREAS, Raymond Nihlean is survived by his wife of 21 years, Tina Travlos Nihlean; his sister-in-law, Elaine Travlos; his brother, Damian Nihlean; his sisters, Mary Henry and Juli Harmon; his nephews, Samuel Henry and Bentley Aiden Joyner; his nieces, Colleen and Amanda Nihlean; his cousins, Suzanne Cosgrove, Linn Nihlean, and Cathy Kubo; his many family members, friends, and colleagues; and his service dog, Baby Ray; therefore, be it

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