HR0524 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0524 LRB101 14448 MST 63370 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Kenneth L. Pickerill, who passed away on September 12, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth Pickerill was born near Summit, Kentucky to William and Luna (Pence) Pickerill on December 14, 1927; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth Pickerill, known for his tremendous athletic ability and storied contributions to high school football, both as a player and coach, began his career at Streator High School in 1942; and

WHEREAS, Always true to his passion for helping others, Kenneth Pickerill enlisted in the U.S. Navy after graduating from high school in 1945 and served aboard the U.S.S. Gosselin; he proudly served his country and was honorably discharged in 1948; and

WHEREAS, Upon returning from his tour of duty, Kenneth Pickerill enrolled at Northern Illinois University (NIU), where he resumed his football career and became NIU's starting quarterback; during his time at NIU, he met Jaqueline "Jackie" Brooks, who would eventually become his wife for 48 years until her death in 2001; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from NIU, Kenneth Pickerill began his teaching and coaching career at Oswego High School, while continuing his education and earning a master's degree in 1959; in 1971, he and Jackie opened The Jaqueline Shop in downtown Oswego, which became a thriving business that served Oswego residents for 25 years; and

WHEREAS, Known as the "Ultimate Panther", Kenneth Pickerill was a stalwart of Oswego High School sports; although he may be best and most widely known for his success on the football field, he was successful in coaching multiple sports, ultimately becoming athletic director for the school and head football, wrestling, and baseball coach; he earned five football championships in his 15 years of coaching Panthers football, coached eight all-state wrestlers, and won three state wrestling championships; he also coached Panther baseball for nine years and led them to one district and one regional championship; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth Pickerill's strong record of leadership, mentorship, and demonstrable success coaching Oswego High School athletes earned him inductions into the Illinois High School Wrestling, Baseball, and Football halls of fame; additionally, he earned an Illinois Merit Award from the Illinois State Board of Education in 1998; and

WHEREAS, While Kenneth Pickerill will undoubtedly be remembered for his accomplishments on the field, those who knew him understand that he was proudest of his accomplishments off the field; he was a loving husband, kind uncle, and friend to all; and

WHEREAS, With words of encouragement or a donation of his own time or resources, Kenneth Pickerill was always willing to give for the betterment of others, be it a friend or stranger; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth Pickerill will forever be known as a man who always gave to his community without the need for recognition, reward, or acknowledgement; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth Pickerill's legacy is one that will be remembered by the Oswego community and discussed for generations to come; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth Pickerill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jacqueline; his parents; his sisters, Eula Adams and Rosave Handy; and his brother, Charles Pickerill; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth Pickerill is survived by his sister, Martha Vanko; numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews; and the countless young men and women who had the great pleasure of learning, growing, and succeeding under his direction, both as a teacher and coach; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Kenneth L. Pickerill 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 Kenneth Pickerill as an expression of our deepest sympathy.