SR0082 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0082 LRB095 11469 KXB 32462 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Ryan Harris of Carbondale, who recently passed away; and

WHEREAS, Ryan Harris was born in Chicago on April 26, 1976 to Raymond and Mimi Harris; he was a very spiritual person who accepted Christ at a very early age; his faith in Christ was shared by all who knew him through his caring actions and his pleasant demeanor; and

WHEREAS, Ryan Harris attended Lincoln Elementary School, Roosevelt Junior High School, and Proviso West High School where he played football, was on the chess team, was a member of the jazz and symphonic bands, and a member of the Gamer's Guild; he loved to play chess, read novels, and play fantasy role-playing games; he graduated from Proviso West High School in June of 1994; and

WHEREAS, Upholding the tradition started by his late grandfathers, Thomas Harris, Sr., and Walter (Wally) Edwards, he made the decision to defend our country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps; he received a medal for Outstanding Conduct, a National Defense Service Medal, and was named a Sharpshooter within his Battalion; he received a rank of Lance Corporal while serving in the Corps; he also became a third degree Black Belt in Okinawa Karate-Do Shorin Ryu, cross-trained in melee weapons; and

WHEREAS, Ryan Harris received a Bachelor's of Science degree in Electronic Systems Technology Management from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale while finishing his reserve duty; while in Carbondale, he was known by all and was easily identified by his signature trench coats; he was well-known and loved by all; and

WHEREAS, Ryan Harris leaves to cherish many beautiful memories: his parents, Raymond and Mimi Harris; his brothers, Raymond Harris, Jr., and Rannon Harris; his grandparents, Consuela "Connie" Edwards and Cora Harris; his niece, Rayven Harris; his aunts and uncles, Thomas (Marsha) Harris, Ella (Johnnie) Dotton, Eddie Harris, Daniel Harris, Greg Harris, Erma (Tony) Henderson, Linda (Chris) Glover, Brenda Harris, Carl Gay, Kevin Gay, and Michelle (Alonzo) Coleman; his godfather, Robert Grant; his godbrother and friend, Robert Grant, Jr.; his special friends, Fredanna M'Cormack, James Collier, Brian Bonner, and Kenan Hillard; and a host of other relatives and friends who loved him dearly; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Ryan Harris; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Ryan Harris as a symbol of our sympathy.