SR1226 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1226 LRB102 29205 LAW 41153 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of John I. Gifford of Rock Island, who passed away on October 3, 2022; and

WHEREAS, John Gifford was born to John J. and Carrie (McAdam) Gifford in Lockport, New York on July 23, 1930; he earned his Bachelor of Science in 1952 and his Master of Science in 1956, both from Purdue University; he served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954, and he served in Korea; he married Sara "Jane" Bauer in Chicago on January 28, 1955; and

WHEREAS, John Gifford worked as an economist and manager of Data Services in the Market Economics Department of the John Deere Company; he retired after 39 and a half years of service; and

WHEREAS, John Gifford was active in the American Agricultural Economist Association, the National Association of Business Economists, the Equipment Manufacturers Association, the Farm and Industrial Equipment Institute, the Construction Industry Manufacturers Association, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, the Engine Manufacturers Association, the International Farm Tractor Committee, and the International Harvesting Equipment Committee, where he served as chairman from 1994 to 1995; and

WHEREAS, John Gifford received leadership recognition from the Equipment Manufacturers Institute; and

WHEREAS, John Gifford served on the board of directors of the Rock Island Easter Seals Foundation and was active in Rock Island Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball; he was an avid reader; he loved jazz and classic music and collecting coins; he was devoted to his family; and

WHEREAS, John Gifford was preceded in death by his parents; and

WHEREAS, John Gifford is survived by his wife, Jane Gifford; his sons, John and James (Nicole) Gifford; and his grandson, Giancarlo Gifford; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of John I. Gifford 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 John Gifford as an expression of our deepest sympathy.