SR1375 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1375 LRB100 20344 MST 35631 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Arthur Velasquez of North Aurora, who passed away on January 27, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Arthur Velasquez was born in Lockhart, Texas on December 30, 1934 and attended segregated schools with other Latino students; and

WHEREAS, As a young boy, Arthur Velasquez worked in his father's mechanic shop and learned that he was very skilled with his hands, which would play a role in his later life; and

WHEREAS, Arthur Velasquez became involved in politics at a young age and served on committees with his then-Congressman Lyndon Johnson; and

WHEREAS, In 1956, Arthur Velasquez met and married his wife, Alice; they were married for 41 years until her passing in 1997; and

WHEREAS, Arthur Velasquez became a carpenter and joined the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC); in 1966, he was appointed as an organizer for the UBC and later became a representative for the International President of the UBC, where he worked in several states, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean; and

WHEREAS, In 1973, Arthur Velasquez's increased responsibilities with the carpenters union allowed him to move his family to North Aurora; and

WHEREAS, Arthur Velasquez was a true community servant and served on the boards of many community organizations in Aurora, including the United Way, the Urban League, the Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board, Family Counseling Service, Study Circles, Friends of Seniors, and Centro Panamericano; and

WHEREAS, Arthur Velasquez was heavily involved in Democratic politics in the Aurora area, having been a mentor for many elected officials, whether they were congressmen or township trustees; and

WHEREAS, Arthur Velasquez was a powerful voice for organized labor in the Aurora area; and

WHEREAS, Arthur Velasquez was a passionate advocate for education; after growing up in segregated schools, he fought for the right of all students to receive a quality education and saw it as a great equalizer; and

WHEREAS, Arthur Velasquez served as president of League of United Latin American Citizens Council (LULAC) 5218 and the LULAC Council of the Aurora Foundation, where he raised more than $200,000 for scholarships for local students; and

WHEREAS, The stories of Arthur Velasquez's generosity and kindness in the Aurora community are countless; and

WHEREAS, Arthur Velasquez was the proud father of Patty, Valarie, Art, April, Crystal and Timothy; grandfather to Dodi, Jeremy, Christopher, Marcus, Jackie, Mike, Jeff, Amber, Autumn, Anthony, Tyler, and Sean; and great-grandfather to Veronica, Victoria, Mya, Liam, Camden, Saylor, Jack, Will, Brenna, and Jade; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Arthur Velasquez, 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 Arthur Velasquez as an expression of our deepest sympathy.