SR0242 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0242 LRB102 18233 LAW 25884 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Kyle Robeson of Champaign, who passed away on April 10, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Kyle Robeson was born in Champaign on August 28, 1929; he attended elementary school in Champaign and graduated from Uni High School; he studied business at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio; he served in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul and Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, where he went through engine and aircraft mechanical training; he attended J.L. Hudson Co.'s Executive Training Program in Detroit and worked for McGreevey, Werring & Howell in New York City; and

WHEREAS, Kyle Robeson began his career at Robeson's Department Store, the downtown Champaign department store opened by his grandfather in 1874, as the manager of the children and infants' department in 1956; through his years of working, managing, and owning Robeson's, he worked with many wonderful people, served many customers, and developed cherished memories; he was forced to make the difficult decision to close the store in 1990, but he was afforded the opportunity to pursue his passion of real-estate development; and

WHEREAS, Kyle Robeson was a member of the Champaign Rotary Club for 63 years, where he maintained perfect attendance for 50 years; he was committed to volunteering and donated to many charitable organizations, supporting the Champaign-Urbana community that he loved; and

WHEREAS, Kyle Robeson was known for his zest for life and adventure; he enjoyed flying airplanes, classic cars, pheasant hunting, fishing, horseback riding, skeet shooting, whitewater rafting, big-band music, dancing, photography, Illinois athletics, technology, the conservation of natural areas, and the thrills of lawn maintenance; he will be remembered for his generous heart, big personality, inquisitive nature, and vivacious spirit; and

WHEREAS, Kyle Robeson is survived by his wife of 58 years, Phyllis; his children, Eric (Lisa) and Kim (Dean); and his grandchildren, Forrest, Ella, and Will; 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 Kyle Robeson 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 Kyle Robeson as an expression of our deepest sympathy.