SR0039 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0039 LRB099 05177 MST 25207 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Kevin Irving, who passed away on December 19, 2014; and

WHEREAS, Kevin Irving was born on July 25, 1966 to Joseph and Jean Irving; he attended John H. Vanderpoel Elementary School and graduated from Mendel Catholic High School in 1984; at an early age, he would sing and dance with his brothers and provide the family with talent shows; he continued the talent show appearances in grammar school and high school; and

WHEREAS, Kevin Irving could compose poetry and turn it into lyrics with a melodic beat as easy as reciting the alphabet; his distinctive melodies and powerful voice would help him become known as one of the pioneers of "House Music"; he later became a member of Club Nouveau; he also mixed and provided vocal arrangements on several songs; he became a writer, producer, and a self-taught sound engineer; he had a keen eye and ear for talent and became a talent scout for major recording labels; he also worked as a writer for companies such as Disney; his passion for music and his God-given talents led him to work with many popular recording stars; he was a visionary who revolutionized the ringtone craze with his own personal style of ringtones; and

WHEREAS, Kevin Irving was affectionately known as "Jack N House", "Kirv", and "Kev"; and

WHEREAS, Kevin Irving was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Joseph Irving, Jr.; and

WHEREAS, Kevin Irving is survived by his wife, Danielle Irving; his son, Kevin Irving, Jr.; his step-daughter, Jade Phelnetto; his step-son, Quentin Reaves; his 2 sisters, Patricia Sanford-Thomas and Pamela Irving-Fuller; his 2 brothers, Reverend Rodney Irving (Terri) and William Irving (Janice); his 2 sisters-in-law, Aja Bogan and Marlena Bogan; his mother-in-law, Deborah Bogan; his nephews, Leonard Sanford, Jr., Frederick Sanford, and Christopher Irving; his 5 nieces, Veronica Sanford-Richardson (Darrell), Jennifer Irving, Stephanie Irving, Patricia Irving, and Brianna Irving; his 11 great-nieces and nephews; his uncle, Robert Irving (Mae) and his aunt, Mary McMillan (Gilmore); and a host of other relatives and friends; therefore, be it

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