SR0809 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0809 LRB102 22407 ECR 31547 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Eric Jakobsson of Urbana, who passed away on October 28, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Eric Jakobsson earned a Bachelor of Arts from Columbia College in 1959, a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the Columbia University School of Engineering in 1960, and a Ph.D. in Physics from Dartmouth in 1969; he did postdoctoral work with the Department of Physiology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine from 1969 through 1971; and

WHEREAS, Eric Jakobsson began a 50 year association with the University of Illinois in 1971; his list of educational and career accomplishments is long and rich; he served as a professor of biochemistry, molecular and integrative physiology, biophysics and computational biology, bioengineering, and neuroscience; his main area of research was in studying microscopic cells, especially nerve cells called ion channels that allow chemicals to go in and out of nerve cells; a valued collaborator with a far-ranging intellect and a probing mind, he saw excitement and potential in everything and was generous in his encouragement of others; and

WHEREAS, Eric Jakobsson was appointed to the Urbana City Council in 2010; he was later elected alderman of Ward 2, which covers much of the area west of downtown, and served until he resigned in June of 2020; he was also a representative of the public arts and culture commission, the Urbana Free Library board, and the traffic commission; and

WHEREAS, Eric Jakobsson was active in politics, the McKinley Presbyterian Church, and many community organizations; and

WHEREAS, Eric Jakobsson loved his family dearly; he and his wife wanted a big family and opened their home to fostering children; they eventually adopted six more children; he will be remembered as a devoted husband and father, a brilliant scientist and mentor, a political bridge-builder, and all around nice guy; and

WHEREAS, Eric Jakobsson was preceded in death by his son, Garret; and

WHEREAS, Eric Jakobsson is survived by his wife of 58 years, Naomi; and seven children; 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 Eric Jakobsson 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 Eric Jakobsson as an expression of our deepest sympathy.