HR1170 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1170 LRB100 22340 ALS 41220 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Jeffrey N. "Jeff" Long of Naperville, who passed away on May 29, 2018; and

WHEREAS, Jeff Long was born in Lakewood, Ohio on May 5, 1964; he grew up in Naperville and Batavia and graduated from Batavia High School; he then attended Eastern Illinois University, where he worked at a radio station and for the school newspaper; and

WHEREAS, Jeff Long was a sports writer for the Aurora Beacon-News for 23 years; he covered local college and professional sporting events, including the champion runs of the Chicago Bulls; in May 2005, he joined the Fox Valley Park District as the public affairs and communications manager; he wrote columns for the park district that appeared in local newspapers and was instrumental in reestablishing the Mid-American Canoe & Kayak Race; the annual race, which started in 1961, had steadily declined in popularity, since the district limited the race to 1,000 boats; he gave the race new life when he made changes, such as shortening the race from its original 17 miles to ten, adding a six-mile version that appealed to less-experienced canoeists, and developing detailed guides on the river's condition, including the locations of low spots; he also suggested opening the race to kayakers; and

WHEREAS, According to a colleague, Jeff Long was "a career journalist and that meant he was a listener...he was a professional listener and when colleagues talked with him he always had this grin of understanding...there was always this rapport and respect he had when dealing with people"; he was an active outdoorsman and enjoyed kayaking, biking, fishing, hiking, and canoeing; he liked being away from the excitement and once spent ten days cycling to a family reunion in Canada; and

WHEREAS, Jeff Long was preceded in death by his father, Gregory Long; and

WHEREAS, Jeff Long is survived by his wife of 24 years, Jenean (Mickey) Long; his children, Autumn Long and Trevor Long; his brothers, Brad (Laurie) Long, Steve (Jenny) Long, Adam (Katie) Long, and Devin Long; his mother, Cynthia Bratta; his stepmother, Linda Long; and his many nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Jeffrey N. "Jeff" Long 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 Jeff Long as an expression of our deepest sympathy.