SR0046 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Senate of the State of Illinois learned with sadness of the death of Reverend Robert E. McLaughlin on Monday, January 24, 2005; and

WHEREAS, Robert McLaughlin grew up on Chicago's West Side, the son John and Mary McLaughlin; the Chicago Cubs fan attended St. Frances of Rome Catholic School in Cicero before continuing his studies at Quigley Seminary North and St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein; he was ordained in 1966; and

WHEREAS, Reverend McLaughlin went on to receive a master's degree in speech and communications at Northwestern University in 1971; he later honed his leadership skills after receiving a master's degree in organizational development at Loyola University in 1987; and

WHEREAS, While serving as an associate pastor at Holy Name Cathedral between 1966 and 1976, he taught religion and communications to Quigley students; he later served as an associate pastor at Mater Christi Parish in North Riverside and as pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Chicago; he was appointed rector-president of Niles College of Loyola University in 1984; the late Cardinal Joseph Bernardin appointed him as pastor of Holy Name Cathedral in 1990, where he served until 2002; he had nearly 40 years of service in the Archdiocese of Chicago; he was the Pastor of Mary, Seat of Wisdom Parish in Park Ridge; and

WHEREAS, Reverend McLaughlin was known for his crimson hair, "leprechaun" grin, and Irish tenor voice; he was an avid golfer and had a magnetic personality; people loved him; he was dubbed "little brother" because of his short stature and was dedicated to spreading the church's message to the young and old, and when he was at odds with his colleagues at the Archdiocese of Chicago, he wasn't afraid to speak his mind; in the 1970s, Father McLaughlin was president of the Association of Chicago Priests, a group of several hundred clergy that clashed with Cardinal John Cody over school closings and other issues; and

WHEREAS, The passing of Reverend Robert E. McLaughlin has been deeply felt by many, especially his brothers John P. (Mariana) and Reverend Edward J.; his sister-in-law, Carol; his 14 nieces and nephews; and his many friends; he was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Thomas; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Reverend Robert E. McLaughlin, and we extend our deepest sympathy 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 sincerest condolences.