SR0175 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0175 LRB094 12139 HSS 45505 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Senate of the State of Illinois learned with sadness of the death of Raymond L. Smith of McHenry on Saturday, March 12, 2005; and

WHEREAS, He was born on February 15, 1926, in McHenry, to William and Rena (Michels) Smith; a lifelong resident of McHenry, he graduated with the class of 1944 from McHenry High School; on May 1, 1948, he married Betty Lou Kramer at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in McHenry; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Smith valiantly served his country during World War II; he was a member of the Army Air Corps as a radio operator and mechanic; after returning home, he worked at Fitzgerald Men's Store, first on the west side of McHenry and later at its Green Street store; after the men's store closed, he enjoyed a 32-year career with Carey Electric, working there from 1955 until retirement in 1987; and

WHEREAS, He served McHenry as an alderman from the 3rd Ward for 29 years; he was a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 117, American Legion Post 491, Order of the Moose Lodge 691, St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in McHenry, Catholic Order of Foresters No. 594, and the Legion of Honor; and

WHEREAS, He enjoyed family time with his children and grandchildren, golfing, fishing, and taking long walks around town; he will be best remembered for being a good friend to many and for helping people with his "fix-it" skills; and

WHEREAS, The passing of Raymond L. Smith has been deeply felt by many, especially his wife of 56 years, Betty Lou; his daughter, Rae Ellen (Bob) Habich; his son, Randy (Greta) Smith; his grandchildren, Rena (Scott) Algayer, Karin Smith, Kyle Smith, and Brad Fenner; his sister, Eileen (Gene) King; and his sisters-in-law, Gwen Smith and Bertha Smith; he was preceded in death by four brothers, Leonard and Richard, in childhood, and LeRoy and Elmer Smith; and four sisters, Emily (Joe) Freund, Luella (William) Funk, and Luella and Catherine, in infancy; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Raymond L. Smith, and we 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 his family as an expression of our deepest sympathy.