SR1004 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1004 LRB101 20508 MST 70105 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the sudden death of Thomas K. Vanwinkle of Belleville, who passed away on February 3, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Vanwinkle was born on February 15, 1975 and was affectionately known as "TK" to his family, friends, and co-workers; he was a career railroader and spent the majority of his career as a trainman at the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis (TRRA) from 2003 to 2020; and

WHEREAS, Earlier in his rail career, Thomas Vanwinkle worked for the Union Pacific Railroad and the Kansas City Southern Railroad; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Vanwinkle was a long-standing and active member and local officer for SMART-Transportation Division (formerly United Transportation Union) Local #469; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Vanwinkle held the position of Local Legislative Representative in Local #469 from 2004 until 2019 and Local Chairperson from 2008 until 2019; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Vanwinkle served as SMART-Transportation Division General Chairperson of GO 919 from October 1, 2019 until his untimely passing; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Vanwinkle was a dedicated union representative who put the needs and best interests of his members above his own; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Vanwinkle was a cherished member and officer of SMART-Transportation Division and will be sorely missed by his fellow co-workers and union officers and members; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Vanwinkle was a devoted family man and unconditionally loved his wife, Kim, his sons, Copelan, Jonathan, and Justin, his daughters, Dailyn and Kaylee, and his mother, Jeannie; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Vanwinkle was above all else a caring and compassionate person whose tragic and far too early passing is both devastating and difficult to comprehend for those who knew him best; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Thomas K. "TK" Vanwinkle 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 Thomas Vanwinkle as an expression of our deepest sympathy.