SR1204 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1204 LRB099 14574 GRL 38703 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Robert F. Toalson, who passed away on September 15, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Robert Toalson was born on September 7, 1932 in Dodge City, Kansas; his parents were Frank B. and Helen K. Toalson; and

WHEREAS, Robert Toalson graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in political science in 1954; after graduation, he served with the United States Marine Corps as a commissioned officer from 1954 to 1957, serving in the First Marine Division and as an executive officer for a Marine Detachment Afloat aboard the USS Columbus; after his military service, he earned his master's degree in park and recreation administration from Indiana University in 1958; and

WHEREAS, After completing a year as an intern in the Philadelphia park system, Robert Toalson moved to Oak Park, where he served as Director of Recreation for 11 years; in 1970, he became the general manager of the Champaign Park District; under his leadership, the National Park and Recreation Association's Gold Medal for Excellence was awarded once to Oak Park and 3 times to the Champaign Park District; in both Oak Park and Champaign, he was awarded the title of Outstanding Citizen; and

WHEREAS, Robert Toalson served as president of the Illinois Park and Recreation Society, president of the National Recreation and Park Association, and founding member and president of the Academy for Parks and Recreation Administration; he also taught at Indiana University, the University of Illinois, and Oregon State University; and

WHEREAS, Robert Toalson was the co-author of "Administration of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services" with Dr. Lynn Rodney, professor at the University of Oregon; and

WHEREAS, Following his retirement, Robert Toalson served on the Board of Commissioners and as President of the Champaign County Forest Preserve District; he served as chairman of the Board of Directors of the United Way of Champaign County; he also served as president of the Champaign-Urbana Kiwanis Club and as a member of the Session at McKinley Presbyterian Church; and

WHEREAS, Robert Toalson was preceded in death by his parents; and

WHEREAS, Robert Toalson is survived by his wife, Dianne; his daughter, Lauren Smith; his son, Mark Toalson; his grandchildren, Julia and William Smith, Kirby and Noah Toalson, and Christopher Toalson; his great-granddaughter, Isabelle Chamberlain; and his brother, William Toalson; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we, along with his family and friends, mourn the passing of Robert F. Toalson; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Robert Toalson as an expression of our sympathy.