SR0908 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0908 LRB103 40173 MST 71974 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Robert James Ryan, who passed away on April 1, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Robert Ryan was born in Derby, England to Robert A. Ryan and Isobel "Pat" England on September 28, 1953; he graduated from Ampleforth College in 1972, Aix-Marseille Université in 1978, and Oxford Brookes University in 1979; he moved to the U.S. in 1979 and married Bib Davis in 1980; and

WHEREAS, Robert Ryan began working as a French tutor prior to starting his career in business development; he had a deep and abiding appreciation for history; he was always ready to share details about any and all British wars, and he loved traveling and learning about other cultures; he was a generous individual who loved helping others and was commonly found with a glass of red wine in his hand; and

WHEREAS, Robert Ryan was a longtime active member of the Park Ridge community; he held many elected and volunteer positions, including serving as a Park Ridge alderman, as an Elementary School District 64 board member, and as the first chairman of the community's farmers market; and

WHEREAS, Robert Ryan, in retirement, spent much of his time in the south of France with Bib; he continued his life-long dedication to volunteerism through the Newberry Library when in the U.S.; he was a man of action who encouraged people to pursue their passions in life, while making sure to have fun along the way; and

WHEREAS, Robert Ryan is survived by his wife, Bib; his three sons, Christopher, David, and Corby; his daughters, by marriage, Clémence (David) and Noelle (Corby); his granddaughter, Léonie; and his siblings, Trisha, Dolly, Claire, John, Paul, Mary Ann, and Deborah; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Robert James Ryan and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, 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 Robert Ryan as an expression of our deepest sympathy.