SR0157 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0157 LRB102 17255 LAW 22725 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Richard S. Pepper, who passed away on January 28, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Richard Pepper was born on June 23, 1930; he earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Northwestern University in 1953; he married Roxelyn "Roxy" Miller; and

WHEREAS, Richard Pepper began his career working as an estimator for Pepper Construction, which was founded by his father Stanley F. Pepper in 1927; he assumed leadership of the company at the age of 27 after his father's passing in 1957, and he continued in a leadership role until his passing; together with his wife, he developed Pepper Construction into a nationally recognized construction firm with annual revenues exceeding $1 billion, with its headquarters located in Chicago and offices in Barrington, Indianapolis, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Milwaukee; and

WHEREAS, Richard Pepper held a number of leadership roles, including serving as life director to the Associated General Contractors of America, as chairman of the Chicago and Northeast Illinois District Council of Carpenters' apprentice and trainee program, and as trustee and treasurer for the council's welfare and pension fund; he joined the John Evans Club in 1957, where he served as chair from 1980 to 1983 and was named life director at the end of his term; he was a founding member of the American Institute of Constructors (AIC); he also brought his peers together to form the American Contractors Insurance Group (ACIG), which fosters collaboration on best practices to increase safety and minimize risk; and

WHEREAS, Alongside his wife, Richard Pepper supported several community and educational institutions, including the Melody Elementary School, the Northwest Suburban Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Swedish Covenant Hospital Foundation, Maryville's Center for Children, the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, the Lincoln Park Zoo, and Northwestern University; they endowed Northwestern University's undergraduate laboratories in Civil and Environmental Engineering; for their efforts, Northwestern University dedicated the Civil and Environmental Engineering Wing of the Technological Institute to the Peppers in 1998; they also endowed the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders; they supported the Athletics Department throughout the years and were the lead benefactors of the new baseball stadium in 2016, which was named the Rocky and Berenice Miller Park in honor of Roxy's parents; and

WHEREAS, Richard Pepper and his wife were awarded a 2001 Alumni Medal by the Northwestern Alumni Association; he was also the recipient of a 1986 Merit Award and a 1987 Service Award; and

WHEREAS, Richard Pepper was known for his partnership with his wife Roxy; together, they were known for their generosity, valuing people first, striving to do the right thing no matter how difficult, and enjoying life despite the challenges they faced; he left an indelible mark on the construction industry, and he will be missed; and

WHEREAS, Richard Pepper was preceded in death by his son and former Pepper Construction CEO, Dave Pepper, and his daughter-in-law, Katy; and

WHEREAS, Richard Pepper is survived by his wife of 69 years, Roxy; his children, Stan (Chris) Pepper, Lynda (Bob) Bollman, Richard Pepper, Lisa Pepper, and Scot Pepper; his 18 grandchildren; and his 18 great-grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Richard S. Pepper 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 Richard Pepper as an expression of our deepest sympathy.