HR0463 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0463 LRB101 12762 ALS 61595 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Kenneth Leo Harris of Chicago, who passed away on February 17, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth Harris was born to James and Nettie Harris and raised on the South Side of Chicago during the Great Depression; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth Harris attended Sherwood Elementary School and later enrolled in Tilden Technical High School, where he studied engineering and graduated in 1947; and

WHEREAS, While attending Tilden High School, Kenneth Harris was often forced to defend himself or sprint home to avoid fights during those blatantly segregated times; the experience paved the way for him to earn a track scholarship to Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa; and

WHEREAS, In 1953, Kenneth Harris enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Korean War; he was stationed in Japan until his honorable discharge in 1955; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth Harris returned to Chicago, married the love of his life, Delores Murphy, and raised three children, Freddrenna M. Lyle, Katinka L. Harris-Spurlin, and Michael Kenneth Harris Sr.; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Kenneth Leo Harris 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 Kenneth Harris as an expression of our deepest sympathy.