SR0237 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0237 LRB097 11928 GRL 55403 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Donald Gray Schmidt of Hinsdale, who passed away on April 20, 2011; and

WHEREAS, Donald Schmidt was born on November 20, 1925, in Hinsdale; and

WHEREAS, Donald Schmidt was a graduate of Hinsdale Central High School and the Missouri School of Mines (metallurgical engineering); he subsequently earned his master's degree in business administration from the University of Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Donald Schmidt served as director for the DuPage Historical Society and worked with the Hinsdale Historical Society; he was a Republican committeeman and served on numerous boards at Union Church; he traveled and consulted with the Executive Service Corps of Chicago, where he donated his professional expertise and knowledge to groups and countries in need; he volunteered with Earth Watch Society, doing research in Fiji, Australia, Thailand, the Cook Islands, New Zealand, Africa, Scotland, and the Caribbean; he was also recognized throughout his professional career on numerous occasions with awards from industry professionals and colleagues; and

WHEREAS, Donald Schmidt received an honorable discharge from the United States Navy for distinguished service in the Pacific Theater; and

WHEREAS, Donald Schmidt was a long-standing member of the American Foundry Society and the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society; he was also an Eagle Scout and leader of Troop 10 in Hinsdale; and

WHEREAS, Donald Schmidt shared his passion for antique cars with Hinsdale residents, driving in many of Hinsdale's 4th of July parades, and had a life-long love of both jazz and symphony music; he was a generous contributor to many charitable and artistic organizations throughout his life; he enjoyed sharing and enjoying the arts, museums, and musical performances with his wife; and

WHEREAS, Donald Schmidt was granted several patents from the U.S. Patent office for products he designed; and

WHEREAS, Donald Schmidt was preceded in death by his son-in-law, David Smith; and

WHEREAS, Donald Schmidt is survived by his wife of 29 years, Beverly; his children, Peter (Lisa) Schmidt, Rebecca Smith, and Amy (Jerzy Koturewicz) Schmidt; his wife's children, Mark (Pam) Anderson and Kristin (David) Edstrom; and his grandchildren, Brian, Jenny, Christina, Justin, Ainsley, and Alec; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Donald Gray Schmidt; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Donald Schmidt as an expression of our sympathy.