SR1762 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1762 LRB099 21486 GRL 47727 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Ronald L. "Ron" Tendick of Jacksonville, who passed away on March 27, 2016; and

WHEREAS, Ronald Tendick was born on April 18, 1942 in Jacksonville; his parents were Lee O. and Marjorie I. DeLong Tendick; he married Rosemary Dawson on June 30, 1967 in Jacksonville; and

WHEREAS, Ronald Tendick was a 1960 graduate of Jacksonville High School; he then attended Illinois College, which presented him with an honorary Bachelor of Arts degree in 2004; and

WHEREAS, Music was an important part of Ronald Tendick's life since his time in the Jacksonville High School Band; after high school, he played with three bands, including The Dynamics, The Clarke Brothers, and The Sound Organization, where he became known as "Rockin Ron"; and

WHEREAS, From 1969 to 1985, Ronald Tendick served as News and Sports Director at WLDS/WEAI Radio, where he became well-known for covering the City Council and broadcasting high school sports in west central Illinois, often with his long-time friend and fellow broadcaster, Jerry Symons; he later joined Passavant Hospital in Jacksonville as their Community Relations Director from 1985 to 1989; and

WHEREAS, Ronald Tendick was elected to serve as Jacksonville's 5th Ward Alderman in 1987; he then left the hospital following his successful election as Mayor of Jacksonville in 1989; he served as Mayor for five terms, serving for 20 years until his retirement in 2009; and

WHEREAS, Ronald Tendick was a devoted community servant; he served on the boards of the Prairieland United Way, the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce, the Illinois Municipal League, and the Illinois News Broadcasters; he was a founding member and past chairman of the Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation; he was a past chairman of the Passavant Area Hospital board of directors and a past president and member of the Jacksonville Rotary Club; he was also a member and vice chairman of Network Knowledge (Public Television), committee chairman for the Passavant Hospital Foundation, and vice president of the Jacksonville Area Visitors and Convention Bureau; and

WHEREAS, Ronald Tendick was a devoted member of Westfair Baptist Church, where he served as a Sunday school teacher for young people and later for adult classes for many years; he was an integral part of the music ministry of the church, singing in the choir, playing his guitar, and providing vocal solos; his love and interest in young people carried through his role as Mayor, where he was often seen communicating with children in schools, camps, and public events; and

WHEREAS, Ronald Tendick enjoyed restoring antique cars, working in his flower beds, researching genealogy, studying history, drinking coffee at the Elks Club, playing Farkle, and relaxing with his family; and

WHEREAS, Ronald Tendick was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Doris Kennedy; and

WHEREAS, Ronald Tendick is survived by his wife, Rosemary; his daughter, Lana (Joe) Keen; his son, Lane (Rachel) Tendick; his grandchildren, Levi Rogers, Katie Purdue, and Pvt. James Purdue; and his two nieces; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we, along with his family and friends, mourn the passing of Ronald L. "Ron" Tendick; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Ronald Tendick as an expression of our sympathy.