SR0576 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0576 LRB097 20064 KXB 65404 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of SPC Christopher Patterson who passed away January 6, 2012, while proudly serving his country in the Kandahar Province in Afghanistan; and

WHEREAS, He was born April 17, 1991 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of Robert and Mary (nee, Schneider) Patterson; he was a 2009 graduate of West Aurora High School, and was continuing his studies in music education at Valparaiso University in Indiana; he was a member of the professional music fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and toured with the school's premiere vocal ensemble, the Chorale; and

WHEREAS, He also composed and arranged music with the a cappella group VuVox and for the West High STUDy Hall Choir; he was co-captain and first board for the West High Chess Team and was honored to be under the tutelage of Robert Payne; and

WHEREAS, Coming from a strong military family, he enlisted with the Indiana National Guard and served as a 12B Combat Engineer with the 713th Engineering Company (Sapper) based out of the Valparaiso Armory; and

WHEREAS, SPC Christopher Patterson is survived by his parents, Robert and Mary Patterson; his brothers, Carl Patterson, Sean (Anna) Patterson, and Thomas (Robyn) Patterson; his paternal grandparents, Durland and Sally (nee Clark) Patterson; his maternal grandparents, Jim and Claire (nee Dux) Schneider; his godparents, Kathy and George Jirasek; his many aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins, and dear friends; and his "adopted" siblings, Billy Czech, Aaron Foster, and Candace Robinson; 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, friends, and a grateful nation, the passing of SPC Christopher Patterson; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we honor the memory of SPC Christopher Patterson and his willingness to serve his country, which led to him making the ultimate sacrifice; and be it further

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