SR0696 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0696 LRB093 23539 CSA 53535 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Senate of the State of Illinois were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Carl Frederick McFerren of Chicago on Friday, February 13, 2004; and

WHEREAS, Mr. McFerren was born on March 6, 1933 in Chicago; he was the only son of Bland and Fannye Mae McFerren; during the mid-1930s, the McFerren family settled in Morgan Park; and

WHEREAS, Mr. McFerren attended Shoop Elementary and Morgan Park high schools; he was a gifted student who loved music; he studied classical piano for eleven years and became an accomplished pianist; and

WHEREAS, Following high school, and to the delight of his parents, Mr. McFerren was accepted into Alabama's prestigious Tuskegee Institute; he studied Structural Engineering, but majored in Jazz and Hot Rods; and

WHEREAS, In 1954, Mr. McFerren entered the United States Army; after basic training, he was sent to Germany, where he spent the rest of his term; following an Honorable Discharge in May of 1956, he returned to his family in Chicago; and

WHEREAS, In 1951, he met Vivian Warren and soon knew that he had met his partner for life; the two were married on July 25, 1953; during their five decade marriage, the couple was blessed with four children and six grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, During the first few years of married life, Mr. McFerren worked as a bus driver for the Chicago Transit Authority; in 1961, he landed his dream job when he was accepted into the academy of the Chicago Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, Mr. McFerren loved being a fireman and relished all facets of the job; although lightweight in stature, he was also fearless, a rare combination, which often proved useful; his ability and willingness to jump onto a roof, climb out of a window, or squeeze into a small space soon earned him the nickname "Fly", a moniker he wore proudly; after 31 years of dedicated service, he retired in May of 1992; and

WHEREAS, Mr. McFerren spent his retirement doing the things he loved best, such as fishing, camping, gardening, attending Chicago Bulls and Bears games, enjoying back yard barbeques, reminiscing with his buddies, or just spending time at home; he was happiest when doing simple things, surrounded by his friends and family, especially his grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, The passing of Carl Frederick McFerren will be deeply felt by many, especially his wife of fifty years, Vivian Warren McFerren; his daughters, Sigrid and Apryll; his sons, Carl Demetri (Yvette) and Warren (Libby); his grandchildren, Andrea, Simone, Rachel, Carl Jr., Sydney, and Warren Matthew; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends; and his beloved cat, Bruno; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Carl Frederick McFerren along with all who knew and loved him and extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Carl Frederick McFerren as an expression of our deepest sympathy.