SR1804 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1804 LRB099 21508 MST 47785 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Michael "Mike" Flaherty, who passed away on April 15, 2016; and

WHEREAS, Michael Flaherty graduated from Alleman High School and Augustana College, with an accounting degree; he served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Albany at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and in the Mediterranean Sea; and

WHEREAS, Michael Flaherty worked for numerous companies in Iowa and Wisconsin; he managed plants for Miller Container across Illinois, two computer companies in the Quad Cities, and owned The Popcorn Company in SouthPark Mall; he closed his career in Verona, Wisconsin working for Innocorp Limited; after retiring, he worked part-time for Eriksen Chevrolet; and

WHEREAS, Michael Flaherty's passion for nature and the environment inspired him to complete a Master Naturalist certification for Illinois; he was awarded Master Naturalist of the Year in 2014; his volunteer work included an initiative to create pathway signage at St. Mary Monastery in Rock Island; he also became a Master Conservationist in Iowa; his work at Nahant Marsh was instrumental in his experience of the natural world and he developed numerous new friends in the community; he enjoyed backyard birdwatching, providing a variety of feeders for different species; he filled the feeders at Black Hawk State Historic Site throughout last winter and also those of elderly friends; he enjoyed fishing and sharing his extensive knowledge, especially with younger folks; and

WHEREAS, Michael Flaherty was active in the Jaycees; he enjoyed dressing up as Santa on Christmas Eve for his family; and

WHEREAS, Michael Flaherty was preceded in death by his parents, James and Doris Flaherty, and his brother, Robert Michael; and

WHEREAS, Michael Flaherty is survived by his wife of 47 years, Nancy Flaherty; his son, Rob (Anne) Flaherty, and their daughter, Bailey; his son, Tim "Sweet Pea" Flaherty; his brothers, Tom (Nancy), Jay, John (Glenda), Bill (Ann), Dan (Diane), Pat (Karen), and Brian (Mary); and numerous nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Michael "Mike" Flaherty, 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 Michael Flaherty as an expression of our deepest sympathy.