SR0289 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0289 LRB097 12623 GRL 57109 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Gale E. DeRenzy of Canton, who passed away on July 15, 2011; and

WHEREAS, Gale DeRenzy was born on March 8, 1938, in Bushnell; his parents were Laurin and Opal Cowman DeRenzy; and

WHEREAS, Gale DeRenzy was employed as a salesman for Pekin Distributing for 23 years until his retirement; he later also the owner and operator of Gale's Lounge in Canton for 15 years; and

WHEREAS, Gale DeRenzy was one of the founding officers of the Little Giant Booster Club, initiated the first videotaping of the school's football games, and worked on the committee to erect Canton Memorial Stadium; he was a past chairman of the Fulton County Democrats; he was a major fundraiser to Santa Jo's Workshop; he was instrumental in raising funds for the first police K-9 unit in Canton; he was a past member and president of the Canton School Board and was a member of the board when Eastview and Westview Schools were built; he also served on the Canton liquor commission and served as a Canton Township Trustee; and

WHEREAS, Gale DeRenzy was designated the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 2003; the date of January 15, 2000 was designated as Gale DeRenzy Day by the mayor of Canton in honor of Mr. DeRenzy's work in the community; and

WHEREAS, Gale DeRenzy served as a scout leader, softball coach, and baseball coach in the Canton community; he was an organizer and supporter of some of the largest fundraisers and benefits in Fulton County; he was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Jeff Gordon; and

WHEREAS, Gale DeRenzy was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Charles "Bud," Jerry Bill, Richard, and Howard; and his sisters, Dorothy Billings and Margaret Lamm; and

WHEREAS, Gale DeRenzy is survived by his significant other, Cindy Rodney; his son, Steven G. (Debby) DeRenzy; his daughter, Christine D. (Kevin) DelMastro; his nieces, Judy (Ken) Zink and Sharon (John) Ryman; his brothers, Robert "Slick" (Jean) DeRenzy, Larry (Barbara) DeRenzy, and Kenny (Nancy) DeRenzy; his sisters, Verna Smith, Shirley Miller, Peggy (Dennis) Briney, and Linda Sue Havens; his grandchildren, Chad (Nicole) DeRenzy, Tad (Brandi) DeRenzy, Korey (Mandi) DelMastro, Ashley DelMastro, Lindsey Chatterton, Caleb Bugos, Tom Zink, and Sarah Zink; and his great-grandchildren, Morgan DelMastro, Audryanna DeRenzy, Ellisa Hadsall, Abbigale DeRenzy, Zachary Hadsall, Gracy Chatterton, Parker DeRenzy, and Zavier Chatterton; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Gale E. DeRenzy; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Gale DeRenzy as an expression of our sympathy.