SR0104 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0104 LRB101 05204 ALS 50856 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Robert Birney, who passed away on September 25, 2018 at the age of 77; and

WHEREAS, Robert Birney was born in Freeport, Ohio on October 19, 1940; he helped his father run the family's ancestral farm that grew into a large-scale turkey ranch; during these early years, he developed the remarkable ability to fix anything and everything, a skill that made him the "just ask Bob" resource for his neighbors and friends; he graduated from Kent State University with a degree in journalism in 1962; during college, he served as the vice president of the student council for three years, president of the interfraternity council, and chair of the student faculty union; he also worked part-time as a reporter and photographer at the university and for several area newspapers; he then received a graduate assistantship and continued his education at the University of Vermont, where he studied political science; and

WHEREAS, Robert Birney held a full-time position in institutional research at the University of Vermont; he then accepted a position at SUNY Albany, New York, where he launched his lifelong career in designing computer-based information systems; he held leadership positions at DePaul University, American Hospital Supply-Baxter International, and Phillip Morris-Kraft Inc.; he was also a consultant for Deloitte & Touche, where he managed a broad range of corporate and government engagements, both locally and nationally; and

WHEREAS, Robert Birney served in the National Guard and met his wife, Hilda, while in New York; they married in 1969 and moved to Oak Park in 1972; they bought an E.E. Roberts house surrounded by gardens that they developed over the years; after retirement, he became more engaged with his gardens; he created a large koi pond that was featured one year on the annual Oak Park and River Forest Garden Walk; he later converted it to an eco-friendly water retention reservoir; when a 100-year-old elm tree in his back yard died, he created a 12'x12' pergola to provide shaded seating; and

WHEREAS, Robert Birney enjoyed traveling, was an avid reader, a news follower, especially the New York Times, and a stock trader; feeding his lifelong thirst for knowledge and insatiable inquisitiveness in how things worked, he was a relentless collector of hand tools and found objects that he restored or repurposed; and

WHEREAS, Engaging and entertaining, Robert Birney was a humorous storyteller; those who loved him will fondly remember the time at a local seafaring restaurant across the street from Nantasket Beach; his wit and delight made the evening a special party for all; and

WHEREAS, Robert Birney is survived by his wife, Hilda, and his brother, Stanley; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Robert Birney and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

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