SR0762 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0762 LRB102 24588 MST 33822 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of William "Bill" Warren Chase of Corey Lake, Michigan, who passed away on June 25, 2021 at the age of 91; and

WHEREAS, Bill Chase was born in Oak Park on July 30, 1930; he graduated from Oak Park and River Forest High School, where he met his wife of 67 years, Charlene Lois; and

WHEREAS, Many of Bill Chase's fondest childhood memories occurred at his family's lake home in Three Rivers, Michigan, which bordered Corey Lake; during these getaways, he developed a passion for waterskiing; and

WHEREAS, Bill Chase was a member of his high school and college swim teams; he attended North Central College in Naperville; and

WHEREAS, Bill Chase ran successful vending and home security businesses during the time he resided in River Forest; his son was a business partner; and

WHEREAS, Bill Chase held positions on numerous boards of trustees in Illinois and Michigan, such as the Service Club of Oak Park and the YMCA; other professional and personal memberships included the St. Joseph County Planning Commission, Fabius Township Board of Appeals, St. Joseph County Conservation Club, Rotary Club, Corey Lake Association, and the Corey Lake Yacht Club; and

WHEREAS, Upon a permanent relocation to Michigan, Bill Chase became a public servant; after 12 years, he retired from the Michigan Department of Transportation at age 72; and

WHEREAS, Bill Chase parlayed his love of duck hunting, which he was introduced to by his uncle, into a recreational career as a skeet shooting instructor; one of his most prominent students was Paul Harvey; and

WHEREAS, Bill Chase was also a talented curling athlete; he represented Illinois at championships in Fairbanks, Alaska and Quebec, Canada; his wife even joined him in the competitive sport; and

WHEREAS, Another one of Bill Chase's favorite pastimes was antique furniture restoration; his signature project was a 1955 Chris-Craft, which he finished the year his son was born; this boat was featured in many Fourth of July water parades; and

WHEREAS, Bill Chase is survived by his wife, Charlene; his children, Curtis, Sandra, and Jennifer; his twin grandsons, Kyle and Matthew (Rachel) Bloch; his great-granddaughter, Finley Jane; his siblings, James (Patricia) and Mary; his sisters-in-law, Carol White and Dorothy Cole; and his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of William "Bill" Warren Chase 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 Bill Chase as an expression of our deepest sympathy.