HR1037 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1037 LRB093 22432 HSS 51808 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the House of Representatives of the State of Illinois learned with regret of the death of Thomas D. Dixon of Monticello on Wednesday, May 12, 2004; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Dixon was born on October 22, 1939, in Bartonville to Wayne and Zoa Millspaugh Dixon; he married Elizabeth Sue Sessions on May 21, 1964, in Decatur; he graduated from St. Francis School of Radiological Technology in Peoria as an X-Ray technician and earned his bachelor's degree in Hospital Administration from the University of Alabama-Birmingham; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Dixon was the CEO of The John & Mary E. Kirby Hospital; while at the hospital, he achieved the status of longest-tenured CEO (38 years) in the history of Illinois hospital administrators and did so with relentless enthusiasm and dedication; he possessed the unique ability to maintain the financial viability of the smallest hospital in the State of Illinois (Kirby Hospital) during challenging economic times; and

WHEREAS, As an astute businessman, Mr. Dixon envisioned the hospital's future and insured its survival by employing creative strategies and unprecedented services such as Telemedicine; he communicated and instilled in the community the need for support of the hospital; he possessed the keen ability to network and collaborate effectively with other organizations in the healthcare industry; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Dixon developed and maintained a special relationship with the hospital's Auxiliary which grew to a unique membership of over 200 active and productive volunteers; he demonstrated respect and concern for each Kirby Hospital employee, regardless of the position or title; he is remembered as highly intuitive, and he practiced politics with principle; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Dixon served his country in the U.S. Navy; he enjoyed his grandchildren, fishing, hunting, and golf; and

WHEREAS, The passing of Thomas D. Dixon has been deeply felt by many, especially his wife, Elizabeth Sue; his sons, Mark Dixon and Michael Dixon; his daughter, Stephanie Towery; his mother, Zoa Millspaugh Preston; his brothers, Ron Dixon, Bob Dixon, and Dick Dixon; his sister, Joanne DeGroot; and his grandchildren, Garrett Dixon, Morgan Dixon, and Elie Claire Dixon; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Thomas D. Dixon, and we extend our deepest sympathy to his family, friends, colleagues, 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 Thomas D. Dixon as an expression of our sincere condolences.