SR0941 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0941 LRB096 22626 KXB 41948 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Leslie "Les" S. Skinner of Union, who passed away on June 12, 2010; and

WHEREAS, He resided in Shabbona in his early years; on May 6, 1950, he married Dolores "Dolly" Albrecht of Union; they resided in Hinckley for 5 years, then Marengo and Union for the past 55 years; and

WHEREAS, He served in the United States Army during the Korean War; he was a member of the American Legion Henry F. Miller Post No. 482 and of the Woodstock Moose Lodge; and

WHEREAS, He was self-employed, operating Skinner Amusements, a family-owned business that has been in operation for 100 years; the business was founded by his grandfather, George Skinner, who passed on the business to Maurice and William (Leslie's father), who later transferred the enterprise to Les and Douglas Skinner; Les began working at Skinner Amusements when he operated a train ride at 10 years old; in 1946, he purchased his first ride and continued adding more rides; and

WHEREAS, Skinner Amusements has been recognized with many service and safety awards including "75 years of faithful service to McHenry County" from the McHenry County Fair Association; on April 11, 2010, Les celebrated the 100th anniversary of Skinner Amusements with a gathering of past and present employees; he was a hard worker and was dedicated to making sure the rides were running safely, even if that meant that he would personally have to do the repair work; and

WHEREAS, He enjoyed basketball and football; and

WHEREAS, Leslie Skinner was preceded in death by his parents, Agnes and William Skinner; his brothers, Dean and Harold Skinner; his niece, Deanette Carter; his nephews, Jay Reinhard and Douglas Skinner; and his uncle, Sam Saud; and

WHEREAS, Leslie "Les" Skinner is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dolly; his son, Kevin (Diane); his grandchildren, Jamie, Jeff, Jim, Joe, John, and Jenny; his great-grandchildren, Devin, Kaylee, and Brynne; his sister, Martha Sampson; his sisters-in-law, Judith Albrecht, Marlene Skinner, and Virginia Skinner; and many nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

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

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Leslie Skinner as a symbol of our sincere sympathy.