SR0186 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0186 LRB104 12845 LAW 24200 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Less Boucher of Springfield, who passed away on February 8, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Less Boucher was born to James Langston Boucher and Julia Gram Boucher in Springfield on October 9, 1954; he spent his early years in Girard before later moving to Virden; he graduated from Virden High School; he earned his political science degree from Knox College in Galesburg, where he played football and joined the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity; he continued his post-graduate studies with a focus on economics at the University of Illinois Springfield; he married Beth Prough in 1976; and

WHEREAS, Less Boucher was a dedicated public servant, spending a majority of his career working in the collection, organization, and distribution of labor market and employment information, along with employment and training development; he began his professional career as a planner with the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act program (CETA) in 1979, and at the age of 26, he was named executive director for the Land of Lincoln Consortium, the agency in charge of administering CETA and other programs for a multi-county area in Central Illinois; he later served as associate director for the Illinois Occupational Information Coordinating Committee and as central region manager for the Illinois Department of Employment Security, retiring in 2012; and

WHEREAS, Less Boucher loved playing and listening to good music, especially the Beatles, Tom Petty, and the blues, and he also loved all animals, rescuing many pets over the years; he was an avid softball player and a lifelong gym and weight-lifting enthusiast; he was interested in photography and mixed martial arts; he enjoyed traveling and cheering for the St. Louis Cardinals, the Chicago Bears, and the Chicago Bulls, and he always appreciated a good joke; and

WHEREAS, Less Boucher is survived by his wife of 48 years, Beth; his sister-in-law, Amy (Dan) Stumpfl; his nephews, David (Cynthia) Stumpfl and Sean (Cara Roadarmel) Stumpfl; and a large extended family, including many cousins; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Less Boucher 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 Less Boucher as an expression of our deepest sympathy.