HR0107 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0107 LRB104 12047 LAW 22142 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Robert P. "Bob" Blazier of Crystal Lake, who passed away on January 9, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Bob Blazier, the son of Charles and Mary (Hopkins) Blazier, was born in Kewanee on August 31, 1926; he married Rosemary Riva on June 11, 1949, and they moved to Crystal Lake in 1962 and became integral members of the community; and

WHEREAS, Bob Blazier served as superintendent of Crystal Lake Elementary School District 47 until his retirement in 1985, where he inspired a generation of students and educators with his commitment to quality education; he also served as vice president of marketing and education for Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital, formerly the Northern Illinois Medical Center; he concluded his career as a communications officer at Home State Bank; and

WHEREAS, Bob Blazier was the longtime president of the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce; he was behind several major initiatives in the community, including Operation Click and the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation; he also established the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce Foundation and was instrumental in starting the Crystal Lake Young Professionals organization; during his tenure, he was noted for being the epitome of a servant leader while assisting the chamber as a dedicated ambassador, a connector of people, and a great communicator; and

WHEREAS, Bob Blazier helped found the Centegra Foundation, the McHenry County College Foundation, and the Raue Center for the Arts Foundation; he established the Bob Blazier Run for the Arts, an event that showed his dedication to artistic endeavors with the Raue Center for the Arts and was well attended for many years; and

WHEREAS, Bob Blazier received the honor of the Crystal Lake School District 47 CORE Center and the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce Center building being named after him for all of his years of service; and

WHEREAS, Bob Blazier had many passions; he enjoyed attending family trips in Door County, Wisconsin, dining at Da Baffone in Crystal Lake, and working out and running daily at Health Bridge Fitness Center well into his late 80s; he was also a longtime member of the Crystal Lake Country Club, where he loved playing golf, going out for dinner with family, and attending various brunches; and

WHEREAS, Bob Blazier, often referred to as "Mr. Crystal Lake", made an immeasurable impact on the Crystal Lake area; he was known for his leadership, his unwavering commitment, and his boundless dedication and genuine care for others; he will be remembered for his quick wit, his warm smile, and his deep love for Crystal Lake; and

WHEREAS, Bob Blazier was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 75 years, Rosemary; and

WHEREAS, Bob Blazier is survived by his son, John (Amy) Blazier; two granddaughters; and two great-grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Robert P. "Bob" Blazier 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 Bob Blazier as an expression of our deepest sympathy.