HR0403 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0403 LRB097 11990 KXB 55657 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Clinton Craig Atkins of Naples, Florida, formerly of Champaign, who passed away on April 24, 2011; and

WHEREAS, He was born on June 12, 1945, in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, the son of Clinton Paul and Maxine Long Atkins; he received his high school diploma from Champaign Central in Champaign in 1963 and attended the University of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, He married Susan A. Stitt on November 2, 1963; he began working at The News-Gazette in Champaign in 1964 in the circulation department; he enjoyed working with the youth of the community and the departments to get the paper out on time; after retiring at the age of 30, he had acquired several properties in Champaign and the surrounding communities; and

WHEREAS, He returned to work in 1981, when he acquired Westgate Apartments, a chain of liquor stores in the twin cities, Tower Hobbies, Herr's, Great Plains, warehouses, other real estate, and became a co-founder of Plastic Container Corporation; in the 1990s, he and his partner, Bruce Holecek, built Hobbico into the world's largest distributor of radio-controlled model planes, cars, and boats; he developed North Prospect Avenue, including Baytowne Apartments, Square and Shoppes; ten years later, he developed Stone Creek Golf Course, Subdivision, Commons, and Shoppes in southeast Urbana; and

WHEREAS, In 2010, the Parkland College Foundation awarded him the V. Dale Cozad Entrepreneur of the Year award; and

WHEREAS, He always looked for the "deal" in which both parties won; he was involved in many partnerships; his desire was to make Champaign-Urbana the best it could be, through creating jobs, providing housing, philanthropy through various charities, and promoting the arts, education, and athletics at the University of Illinois; "Being the Best You Can Be" has always been his motto, and promoting others has always been his desire; and

WHEREAS, He enjoyed sharing his experiences with his family, friends, and employees; it could be a sporting event, travel, seminars, or anytime to gather and enjoy the event; his love of family, friends, and community was always his first priority; and

WHEREAS, He was preceded in death by his parents, Clinton Paul and Maxine L. Atkins; his grandson, Zane; and his nephew, Clinton Paul; and

WHEREAS, Clinton Craig Atkins is survived by his loving wife, Susie; his children, Suzette (Michael) Hogan, C. Todd (Julia) Atkins, and Spencer (Tracy) Atkins; his grandchildren, Amber (Travis) Geralds, Kathryne, Emily, Nolan, Alexis, Spencer Von, Olivia, Victoria, Isabella, and George; his brother, Vincent (Inge) Atkins; his sister, Mary (Ivan) Hassinger; his sister-in-law, Donna Harris; and several loving nieces and nephews and their families; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Clinton Atkins; and be it further

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