SR0605 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0605 LRB103 35320 MST 65369 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Cliff Baxter of Springfield, who passed away on October 17, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Cliff Baxter was born in Quincy to Rodney and Velma (McGinnis) Baxter on December 20, 1942; he graduated with a Master of Science in Structural Engineering from Bradley University in Peoria; he married Jan Garner on December 7, 1968; and

WHEREAS, Cliff Baxter began his career with CMT (Crawford, Murphy & Tilly) in 1965; he was a professional engineer and registered structural engineer; he was named an officer and director of the firm in 1979 and elected president in 1992; he became chairman and CEO in 1995; he retired from his leadership role in February of 2005; and

WHEREAS, Cliff Baxter was known for his outstanding leadership; throughout his career, he contributed significantly to CMT's conversion to computers for modeling, drafting, and business practices; he also played a pivotal role in the development of an ongoing, comprehensive strategic planning process at CMT; he was known for his genuine interest in the welfare of others, from employees and their families to the many professional, civic, and charitable organizations with which he engaged; his notable contributions were honored by the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) with the National Service Award in 2004; and

WHEREAS, Cliff Baxter served on the boards for several organizations, including the Illinois State Chamber of Commerce, the Memorial Medical Center and Memorial Health System, US Bank, the University of Illinois Springfield, the United Way of Central Illinois, and the Illini Country Club; and

WHEREAS, Cliff Baxter enjoyed golf, spending time with family, and traveling with his wife and their friends; and

WHEREAS, Cliff Baxter was known as "Uncle Cliff" to Amie Kelly and Karrie, Brett John, Heather, and Tara Wagner; and

WHEREAS, Cliff Baxter was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Dennis Kelly; his nephew, Michael Kelly; and his brother-in-law, Micah Garner; and

WHEREAS, Cliff Baxter is survived by his wife, Jan; his sister, Velma (Baxter) Kelly; his brother-in-law, Norm (Judy) Knous; his niece, Colleen (Steve) Bratcher, and their children, Samantha and Michael; his nephew, Kyle (Jessica) Knous; his nephew, Lucas Knous; his nephew, Matthew (Taylor) Knous, and their children, Owen and Zoey; his niece, Marci Garner, and her children, Wesley and Wyatt; his cousin, Dino (Tammy); his niece, Devin Dinora; and his nephews, Rodney and Joseph Garner; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Cliff Baxter 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 Cliff Baxter as an expression of our deepest sympathy.