HR0193 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0193 LRB099 11106 GRL 31523 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to hear of the passing of John P. Gardner, Sr. of East Peoria and wish to honor his life and pay tribute to this very special man; and

WHEREAS, John Gardner, Sr. was born on May 18, 1950 in Peoria; his parents were Charles and Erna (nee Moeller) Gardner; and

WHEREAS, John Gardner, Sr. was president of and a longtime electrician at Oberlander Electric Company, Inc. in East Peoria, where he managed the business for his father, "Charlie", and helped it grow into what it is today; and

WHEREAS, John Gardner, Sr. enjoyed many hobbies, including golfing, all things motorcycles, R/C boats and airplanes, go-karts, and piloting airplanes; and

WHEREAS, John Gardner, Sr. had a deep passion for sports; he was an Illinois State flat track motorcycle champion, a flag man at the Peoria Speedway, a die-hard Bradley Braves fan, and an original Bradley Scholarship Society member; and

WHEREAS, John Gardner, Sr. was also deeply involved in his community as a board member on the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce and the Pekin Country Club; and

WHEREAS, Because of John Gardner, Sr.'s vision, leadership, and tenacity, the City of East Peoria enjoys a wonderful Riverfront Memorial for its veterans that is seen from both Peoria and East Peoria's downtown area; and

WHEREAS, John Gardner, Sr. is survived by his fiancee, Josie Fincham; 2 sons, John Gardner, Jr. and Bob Gardner; 2 brothers, Jim Gardner and Steve Gardner; and a sister, Terri Jones; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of John P. Gardner, Sr. and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all of those who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of John Gardner as an expression of our respect and deepest sympathies.