SR0446LRB104 15567 LAW 28733 r

1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened 
3to learn of the death of Richard John Hamersma, Ph.D., who 
4passed away on April 17, 2025 at the age of 82; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Dr. Hamersma earned his master's degree and Ph.D. 
6in Psychology from Michigan State University; and
 
7    WHEREAS, Dr. Hamersma became a highly accomplished 
8psychologist, educator, and award-winning songwriter; and
 
9    WHEREAS, Dr. Hamersma became an assistant professor at 
10DePaul University before transitioning to private practice, 
11where he served as a clinical psychologist and director of the 
12Growth Process Center; and
 
13    WHEREAS, Dr. Hamersma was deeply passionate about 
14songwriting; in addition to his academic and clinical 
15contributions, his lyrics gained international recognition, 
16frequently reaching the finals of the United Kingdom 
17Songwriting Contest; and
 
18    WHEREAS, Dr. Hamersma possessed a profound appreciation 
19for the emotional impact of words, whether expressed through 
20therapy, poetry, or music; and
 
 
 
SR0446- 2 -LRB104 15567 LAW 28733 r

1    WHEREAS, Dr. Hamersma was a resident of Oak Park for more 
2than 40 years, contributing to the community with his vibrant 
3creativity and active engagement; and
 
4    WHEREAS, Dr. Hamersma is survived by his children, John 
5Hamersma, David Hamersma, Amelia Contolini, and Ana-Sage 
6Hartu, and his grandchildren, Marisol Hartu and Edward Hartu 
7Jr.; therefore, be it
 
8    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL 
9ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of 
10Richard John Hamersma, Ph.D. and extend our sincere 
11condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved 
12him; and be it further
 
13    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
14presented to the family of Dr. Hamersma as an expression of our 
15deepest sympathy.