SR0147 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0147 LRB096 11989 KXB 23685 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Willard B. Black of Mesa, Arizona, formerly of Danville, Illinois who passed away on March 5, 2009 at his home is Mesa; and

WHEREAS, Willard B. Black was born on April 6, 1918 in Normantown, Illinois, to Homer and Nina Black; and

WHEREAS, He had one brother, Earl Black; three sisters, Donna McKinley, Marjorie Trent, and Betty Nield; and a half-brother, Terry Black; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Black married Laura E. Murray on March 19, 1938 and they raised two sons, State Representative William (Sharon) Black and Robert (Jacki) Black of Danville; she preceded him in death on June 20, 1968; he later married Helen Louise Spinder in Peoria gaining two stepdaughters, Kathy Speedy and Denia (Don) Zuch; together they had seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Black became affectionately known as "Blackie" by all who knew him; he attended Liberty and Franklin grade schools, and graduated from Danville High School in 1936; he worked at the Fischer, Lincoln and Palace theaters, Illinois Power Company, and at Automatic Engineering Company, a heating business in Danville, which he owned in later years; and

WHEREAS, During World War II he served on the rationing board of Vermilion County and later served in the United States Army; and

WHEREAS, "Blackie" was very active in Danville civic and fraternal organizations including: Vermilion County Board of Supervisors, the Vermilion County Conservation District Board Trustees, where he served as Treasurer, and President of the Board during the construction of Lake Mingo, GAO Grotto where he was a lifetime member and served as Chaplain, Olive Branch Lodge, Ansar Shrine and Eastern Illinois Shrine Club, Danville Elks Lodge, Chamber of Commerce State Director and Vice President, and the Danville and Illinois Home Builders Association, where he was a lifetime member; and

WHEREAS, He was active in the Boy Scouts of America for over 30 years in Troop, Pack, and Council Levels; he assisted in the renovation of buildings at Portland Arch and was responsible for installing most of the water system serving the campsites and buildings at Cherokee Hills Scout Camp; he also led the project to rebuild the Service building that was destroyed by fire; the Boy Scout Local Council awarded him the Silver Beaver Medal and the Order of the Arrow; and

WHEREAS, He worked diligently for Habitat for Humanity while serving on the building committee at First Presbyterian Church; and

WHEREAS, As a businessman he sponsored Little League and Pony League baseball teams, and was active in the leadership for youth; he was involved in several associations in the Heating and Air Conditioning Industry and received many awards; and

WHEREAS, He retired from Blackie's Automatic Engineering Co. in 1982 as the owner and operator after 45 years; in his later years he enjoyed an active retirement in both Arizona, where he was a "Winter Member" of Central Christian Church of Mesa, and in Danville's Ridgeview Baptist Church during summers in Danville; and

WHEREAS, "Blackie" will be remembered by many for his compassion for his fellow man by quietly assisting, supporting, and providing assistance to many individuals who were fortunate enough to cross his life's path; his unparalleled generosity earned him widespread respect among those whose lives were touched by his presence; his son, Bill, best summed up the life his father led by stating "Our father was a remarkable man who loved his family, his children, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; he will be missed by all who knew him"; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Willard B. "Blackie" Black; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Willard B. "Blackie" Black as a symbol of our sincere sympathy.