SR0171 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0171 LRB099 10715 GRL 30996 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of John P. Gardner, Sr. of East Peoria, who passed away on February 12, 2015; 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; he and his brothers managed the business for their father and helped it grow into what it is today; and

WHEREAS, John Gardner, Sr. enjoyed working with motorcycles, R/C boats and airplanes, golfing, go-karts, and piloting airplanes; he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends in the Peoria area, at their winter home in Fort Myers, Florida, and on his annual golf trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; he was also a die-hard Bradley Braves and Chicago Bears fan; and

WHEREAS, John Gardner, Sr. was an Illinois State flat track motorcycle champion; he served as a flag man at the Peoria Speedway; he was a member of the Pekin Country Club for over 20 years and a member of the Club's board; he also served on the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce Board; and

WHEREAS, John Gardner, Sr. was preceded in death by his parents; and

WHEREAS, John Gardner, Sr. is survived by his fiancee, Josie Fincham; 2 sons, John (Crystal) Gardner, Jr. and Robert Gardner; 4 daughters, Mia Fincham, Sophia McCormack, Sheria (Brock) Quinlan, and Cia Fincham; 11 grandchildren; 2 brothers, James (Vicky) Gardner and Steve (Candy) Gardner; and a sister, Therese (John) Jones; 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 John P. Gardner, Sr.; and be it further

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