HJ0012 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0012 LRB095 04155 KXB 24193 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois General Assembly learned with sadness of the death of Carl Nels Becker of Petersburg, who passed away on April 13, 2006; and

WHEREAS, He was born on June 8, 1949, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, to Elmer Becker and Amy Nora Truesdale; he married Peggy Parks on July 31, 1971, in Black Creek, Wisconsin; he held a Bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point and a Master's degree in ornithology from Eastern Michigan University; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Becker worked as the Associate State Director for Conservation Programs for the Illinois Chapter of the Nature Conservancy; he held several positions within the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR); he was the first Executive Director of the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board, the first Chief of the Division of Natural Heritage, and served as Assistant Office Director of Realty and Environmental Planning, before his retirement in December 2002; and

WHEREAS, He began working at IDNR in 1978 as a biologist and quickly became a leader; during his tenure at IDNR, he spearheaded the effort to create the Wildlife Preservation Fund, an income tax check-off program that provides money for wildlife habitats; he also worked to pass legislation allocating a portion of the Real Estate Transfer Tax to protect natural areas and habitats for endangered and threatened species; he played a critical role in conserving natural habitats from Cook County to the Cache River State Natural Area, laden with cypress trees, in the southernmost tip of Illinois; he also was instrumental in efforts to save the dwindling territory of the prairie chicken in southern Illinois and to encourage peregrine falcons to roost among the Chicago Loop's skyscrapers; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Becker was a national leader in conservation issues, serving as Illinois representative with the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies to push for the Teaming with Wildlife Initiative; he was the past president of the Natural Areas Association and was a member of several conservation organizations; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his work to protect Illinois nature areas, he was a leader in his community, serving as President of the Lake Petersburg Association and Chair of the Menard County Zoning Board of Appeals; a member of Petersburg United Methodist Church, he was active in his church, serving on the board of trustees; he also served as a Cub Scout leader and coached youth soccer, softball, and baseball; and

WHEREAS, The passing of Carl Nels Becker has been deeply felt by many, especially his wife, Peggy Becker; his sons, Jason Becker and Jared Becker; his daughter, Jenifer Becker; and his sister, Jane Kesting; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we mourn the passing of Carl Nels Becker, who will be remembered as a champion for the environment, and we extend our deepest sympathy 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 his family as an expression of our sincerest condolences.