SR0372 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0372 LRB104 14336 MST 27469 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Lorin "Larry" Fortier, who passed away on May 23, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Larry Fortier was born in Muskegon, Michigan to Helen and Lorin Fortier; his family moved to Park Ridge while he was in high school, after which he joined the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Japan as a communications specialist; he married Sally Gauger, and they lived in Mattoon before spending the next 50 years in Des Plaines; and

WHEREAS, Larry Fortier held many positions throughout his life; he worked as an accountant for a football manufacturer and a manager for Radio Shack, and in his last ten years before retiring, he was "Mr. Bus Driver", driving a school bus for middle to high school age students; and

WHEREAS, Larry Fortier could build walls and shelves and rewire any room; he was a chef-extraordinaire, especially known for his Thanksgiving dinner; as his kids grew, he never missed a game, a meet, a match, a show, or a chance to have a game of catch in the backyard; and

WHEREAS, Larry Fortier and Sally shared a love for books, games, movies, music, and road trips; they cherished their community, which included South Side Little League, local bowling and tennis leagues, and St. Stephen Catholic Church, where they were active in the early days of the parish council and helped to produce the parish variety shows; and

WHEREAS, Larry Fortier held a great affinity for all books, especially any mystery he could find and all things Harry Potter; his happy places were Walt Disney World and the Chicago Botanic Garden; he enjoyed playing cards and any game; he loved baseball and the Cubs, football and the Bears, golf, tennis, horse racing, tv, movies, especially Star Wars, maps, car rides, popcorn, fireworks, music, coffee, and Starbucks; and

WHEREAS, Larry Fortier was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Sally; and

WHEREAS, Larry Fortier is survived by his children, Rebecca and Billy; his dog, Max; his siblings, Marc, Kristi, Shelly, Nan, and Laurie; his in-laws, Terry, Lance, and Richard; his Gauger family of in-laws, Betty and Vic and a clan of sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; 40 nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews; and his aunt, Donna Jacobson; 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 Lorin "Larry" Fortier 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 Larry Fortier as an expression of our deepest sympathy.