HR0790 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0790 LRB094 15592 HSS 51568 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives learned with sadness of the death of former State Representative Monroe L. Flinn of Cahokia on November 29, 2005; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Flinn was born December 17, 1917, in Batesville, Arkansas; his family moved to Cahokia in 1956; as a young child, he was called "Big Boy" by his aunts, uncles, and his grandmother; this nickname eventually evolved into "Biggie", as he was called by his many, many close friends and relatives; and

WHEREAS, He worked with his father as a barrelmaker before joining Granite City Steel, where he worked for 41 years; he later served as a legislator in the Illinois House of Representatives in Springfield from 1971 to 1995, leading the revision to the Illinois Constitution in 1972; during his tenure as State Representative, he was noted for unconditionally helping his colleagues and constituents; he will be remembered fondly as a man of common sense and honesty who earned the respect of his Republican colleagues and fellow Democrats alike; and

WHEREAS, While serving in the Statehouse, Representative Flinn served on the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR); when he left the House on January 10, 1995, he had the longest record of JCAR service and was its last remaining charter member; in recognition of his years of service on JCAR and in tribute to his unparalleled contribution to establishing and advancing rulemaking oversight in Illinois, the weekly publication of JCAR was named "The Flinn Report"; subscribers and library patrons throughout the State are reminded weekly that Representative Flinn helped shape and promote a system of regulatory review that serves as a model for other States; and

WHEREAS, During his 23 years as a legislator, he served as Democratic Leader from 1975 to 1980 and on numerous committees, including Financial Institutions (chairman), Counties and Townships (co-chairman), and Legislative Information System Committee (co-chairman); and

WHEREAS, After his retirement, he was appointed by the Secretary of State to serve as chairman on the State of Illinois Merit Commission, which he did until his death; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Flinn was active in many civic and charitable organizations over the years; he was a life member of Emeth Lodge 1030 A.F. & A.M. in Cahokia; a member of Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Bodies of Southern Illinois; a charter member of the Centreville Men's Club; an honorary member of American Legion Post 784 in Cahokia; a member of the Moose Lodge 423 in Cahokia; a member of the Illinois Sheriffs Association; and a member of Shriners Ainad Temple; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Flinn's most treasured possession was his family; he was so proud of his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandson, nieces, nephews, sisters, and brothers; and

WHEREAS, He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Monroe J. and Rue, nee Hanks, Flinn; his brothers, Robert and Dale Flinn; and his sister, Ellen (Flinn) Woodland; and

WHEREAS, The passing of former State Representative Monroe L. Flinn is felt by all who knew and loved him, especially his wife of 65 years, Freda Flinn; his son, Don Flinn; his daughters, Carol (Flinn) and husband Sam Millatti and Debbie (Flinn) and husband Ron Wilshusen; his grandchildren, Lisa (Millatti) Inman, Mike Millatti, Sharon (Flinn) Erschen and friend Rob Simons, Kelly (Flinn) and husband Gary Simpson, Lori (Flinn) Gallion, Bradley Lobsinger, and Megan, Rebecca, and Ronnie Wilshusen; his great-grandchildren, David and Amanda Inman, Anthony Millatti, Rachel and Sarah Erschen, Abby and Aaron Creek, and Jake Simpson; his great-great-grandson, Trenton Inman; his sisters, Anna McGinnis, Yvonne Bognar, and Evelyn Brogan; and his numerous nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of former State Representative Monroe L. Flinn and extend our sincerest condolences to his family, friends, and community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to his family as an expression of our deepest sympathy.