SR0684 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0684 LRB093 23458 JAM 53458 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Senate marks with profound sadness the passing of Mr. William P. "Bill" Wozniak, who gave his life as a Secretary of State security guard at the Capitol in Springfield, Illinois, on September 20, 2004; and

WHEREAS, An outgoing man whose friendly manner was keenly appreciated by Capitol workers and visitors alike, Mr. Wozniak served as a State House security guard for the past 18 years; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Wozniak was born on June 29, 1953, in Detroit, Michigan, the youngest of 6 children of William and Anna Laura Gillmore Wozniak, and after attending Detroit schools he was employed in public works there until he visited relatives in Petersburg, Illinois; and

WHEREAS, He made Petersburg his home, and before becoming a State employee he worked for Fiat Allis-Chalmers and performed as Yogi Bear at the Jellystone Campground; and

WHEREAS, In 1986, Mr. Wozniak married Sheila Wilkin in Springfield, and together they shared the joys and challenges of raising 2 wonderful children, Marc and Megan; his devotion to his family was exceeded only by the pride and pleasure he took in their accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Wozniak's generous nature, coupled with his vast aptitude for nearly all things mechanical, earned him a reputation as a friend who would help tackle projects involving anything from cars to plumbing; and

WHEREAS, During his career with the State, Mr. Wozniak displayed a professional competence and an affability towards his colleagues that won the respect of all who had the honor of working with him; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure at the Capitol, Mr. Wozniak received commendations for his adept handling of dangerous and volatile situations, and numerous State House visitors wrote letters praising his skill as a tour guide and his willingness to lend any possible assistance; and

WHEREAS, As a Capitol security guard, Mr. Wozniak presented to visitors from around the globe the friendly, well-informed, and respectful demeanor that every public servant in Illinois strives to express; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we note with great sorrow the death of Mr. William P. "Bill" Wozniak, whose sacrifice on behalf of the citizens of this State as a Secretary of State security guard is cherished most deeply because of the quality and character of his life; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we convey our heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Mr. William P. "Bill" Wozniak, hoping that they take comfort in the knowledge that he was a highly esteemed public servant whose dedication to his work and devotion to his loved ones shall long inspire the grateful people of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Mr. William P. "Bill" Wozniak, in tribute to the memory of their outstanding loved one.