SR0805 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0805 LRB097 21805 KXB 70415 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Neil L. Pobanz of Varna, formerly of East Moline, who passed away on May 26, 2012; and

WHEREAS, He was born June 7, 1938, in Geneseo, to Clifford L. and Enid (Drehmer) Pobanz; he was married to Carolyn Hosp from 1963 to 1976; he was later married to Judy Hodges from 1977 to 1986; he grew up in Galva and graduated from Galva High School; he resided most of his life in East Moline but moved to Varna in 1993; he attended Parks College in Cahokia; and

WHEREAS, His extensive and dedicated career in aviation included military service in the United States Army from 1961 to 1963, and after discharge, he continued employment as a civilian at the Rock Island Arsenal; after 32 years experience, he retired from the position of Army Material Command Aviation Officer; and

WHEREAS, From 1995 to the present, he was the manager of the Marshall County Airport in Lacon; under his leadership, the airport received the award for Small General Aviation Airport of the Year in Illinois; he was also the previous owner and operator of the FBO of Lacon Aero Service Inc., Marshall County Emergency Services Disaster Agency coordinator, and the senior technical consultant for American Bonanza Society; and

WHEREAS, He was inducted into the Illinois Aviation Hall of Fame and received recognition and awards for his performance and endeavors to promote aviation safety, especially addressing aging aircraft issues, continuing education, mentoring young people interested in aviation, especially CAP, maintaining communications with government officials in aviation matters, and his involvement in aviation repair at the yearly Oshkosh EAA AirVenture; and

WHEREAS, An informal gathering will be held at the Marshall County Airport on June 15, 2012, the evening before the traditional Father's Day fly-in or drive-in pancake breakfast, in memory of Mr. Pobanz; and

WHEREAS, He was preceded in death by his parents; and

WHEREAS, Neil Pobanz is survived by his daughter, Brenda (Art) Williams; his son, Chad Pobanz; their mother, Carolyn Pobanz; his special friend, Nancy Umphress; his stepmother, Willicene Pobanz; his stepbrother, Darold (May) Cherry; his stepsister, Marilyn (Gary) Bourne; and his cousins, Sandra Pobanz, Pauline Westerlund Makowski, Susan Westerlund Egbert, Pricilla Westerlund Blattner, Diane Westerlund, Steven, Richard, Roger Westerlund, and Daniel Westerlund; 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 Neil Pobanz; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Neil Pobanz as a symbol of our sincere sympathy.