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1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to
3learn of the death of Wilburn Edward "Webbs" Norman of
4Rockford, who passed away on January 19, 2019; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Webbs Norman was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee to
6David and Beulah Norman on March 16, 1933; his family moved to
7Central Illinois during his early years, and he was raised on a
8farm southwest of Rockford near Morrison; he graduated from
9Morrison High School in 1952; he attended the University of
10Illinois, where he earned a bachelor's degree in education in
111957 and a master's degree in parks and recreation
12administration in 1960; and
 
13    WHEREAS, Webbs Norman began his career with the Rockford
14Park District as a seasonal employee working at playground
15programs in 1955; in 1972, he was hired as the executive
16director of the park district, and he embraced his role as
17public servant and quickly became a highly-respected leader; he
18cared deeply for patrons and employees, as well as the Entire
19Rockford region; he led the development of many of the city's
20biggest recreational projects, including the Riverview Ice
21House, Forest City Queen and Trolley, Sportscore, Magic Waters,
22Aldeen Golf Club, Carlson Ice Arena Sapora Playworld, and the
23city's beloved bike path; under his leadership, the Park

 

 

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1District became a nationally recognized park system and was
2first awarded the prestigious national Gold Medal in parks and
3recreation management in 1989; the Park District's expansion
4and positive reputation in the community resulted from his
5ability to build trust and encourage people to become involved;
6he believed that the government's role was to fill needs and
7solve problems; he loved being a connector and delighted in
8bringing local and state agencies together to benefit the
9community; he retired in 2006; and
 
10    WHEREAS, After his retirement, Webbs Norman co-chaired the
11fundraising effort to build Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens on
12the Rock River; he also wrote Building a Lasting Dream: A
13History of the Rockford Park District 1909-2009; he was also
14widely known for holding court at a variety of restaurants in
15the community, and many people went to see him for life advice
16and inspiration; his personal philosophy was that no person was
17more important than anyone else, and he taught others the value
18of believing in people; and
 
19    WHEREAS, Webbs Norman was a longtime member of Zion
20Lutheran Church, where he worked the sound booth, served on
21committees, and regularly attended Sunday services; he also
22enjoyed serving as a member of the Loves Park Civil Service
23Commission; he was devoted to his family and enjoyed spending
24time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended

 

 

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1family members; a formidable and highly-competitive croquet
2player, he was often the victor of many backyard games; he
3viewed his family as his greatest legacy; and
 
4    WHEREAS, Webbs Norman was preceded in death by his parents;
5his brothers, Ralph, Kenny, and Dave; his son, Charlie; and his
6daughter, Kathy; and
 
7    WHEREAS, Webbs Norman is survived by his wife, Mary; his
8children, Dan (Maureen) and Patricia; and his stepson, Aaron
9(Jill) Dinges; his grandchildren, Katy, Ellie, and Abe; and his
10many nieces and nephews; therefore, be it
 
11    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL
12ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
13Wilburn Edward "Webbs" Norman and extend our sincere
14condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved
15him; and be it further
 
16    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
17presented to the family of Webbs Norman as an expression of our
18deepest sympathy.