SR0543 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0543 LRB101 12923 MST 61758 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Robert Parker Coffin, who passed away on June 13, 2019 at the age of 101; and

WHEREAS, Robert Coffin was born in Chicago to Irene Borden Parker and Charles Howells Coffin on August 6, 1917; he graduated from New Trier High School in 1935 and Yale University in 1939 with a degree in civil engineering; he worked briefly as a structural engineer in Chicago before enlisting in the U.S. Navy Air Corps in 1942; and

WHEREAS, Robert Coffin and his family settled in Long Grove after World War II, and he became a licensed architect; he helped Long Grove become incorporated in 1956 and served as a trustee on the first Long Grove Village Board and as village president for 22 years, followed by 22 years on the Plan Commission; he also served on the local school board and his church's council; and

WHEREAS, Robert Coffin played a major role in shaping his community, holding firm on the village's rural character and the preservation of open spaces, and one of Long Grove's main thoroughfares is named in his honor; and

WHEREAS, Robert Coffin was a well-known architect, a talented builder, an amateur historian, a naturalist, a conservationist, a community leader, and a committed family man; and

WHEREAS, Robert Coffin was preceded in death by his wife of 74 years, Elizabeth Magie Coffin, and his son, Robert Parker Coffin Jr.; and

WHEREAS, Robert Coffin is survived by his daughter, Betsy Hofmeister (Dave); his daughter-in-law, Joy Coffin; his daughter, Barbara Coffin (Dan Engstrom); his son, John (Chris) Coffin; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren; 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 Parker Coffin 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 Coffin as an expression of our deepest sympathy.