HR1397 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1397 LRB094 21283 HSS 59620 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the House of Representatives of the State of Illinois learned with sadness of the death of Albert Blanchard Sr. on Friday, August 4, 2006; and

WHEREAS, He was born on April 10, 1945, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Samuel Blanchard Sr. and Everlena; his father, mother, and two brothers preceded him in death; and

WHEREAS, He was affectionately called "Plute" as a child, and he professed his love of Christ and attended St. Joseph Catholic Church in Grosse Tete, Louisiana; at the time of his death, he was a member of Traveling Zion Primitive Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from Thomas A. Levy High School in Rosedale, Louisiana, Mr. Blanchard attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; he was drafted into the United States Army in 1966 and valiantly served his country, earning the Silver Star Medal, the Bronze Star "V" for Valor, two Army Commendation Medals "V" for Valor, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and the Purple Heart; he received an honorable discharge in 1969 with the rank of Sergeant; and

WHEREAS, He was united in holy matrimony to Edna on February 13, 1970; he worked for International Harvester, AMFORTE Steel as a laborer, and the Veterans Administration Hospital as a Laboratory Technician; and

WHEREAS, In 1970, Mr. Blanchard entered the Electrical Apprenticeship Training Program and graduated as a journeyman wireman electrician in 1974; he went on to become an Electrical Inspector for the City of Chicago and was later promoted to Deputy Commissioner of General Services, where he remained for 30 years until retiring in February of 2004; following retirement, he served as an advisor to State Representative Milton Patterson; and

WHEREAS, He was active in the community, working tirelessly with various organizations and committees and served as president of the 17th Ward Democratic Organization; he was also a delegate to the 2000 Democratic National Convention and was the recipient of numerous awards; he was a longstanding dedicated brother of the Gilbralter Lodge #135; he also served as "Most Worshipful Master"; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Blanchard was a hardworking, dedicated man, rising from "picking cotton" in the South to Deputy Commissioner for the City of Chicago; he was an inspiration to a multitude of people, offering encouragement and support with integrity; he was never one to brag or boast about his accomplishments and good deeds; he meant what he said and said what he meant, and you could always count on him; he was loved, respected, and admired by family and friends alike; in the tradition of his father, he was a dedicated family man who encouraged, supported, and helped his family set and achieve their goals; and

WHEREAS, The passing of Albert Blanchard Sr. has been deeply felt by many, especially his devoted and loving wife Edna; his daughters, LaTasha (Tony) Watts and LauRita; his sons, Albert Jr. and Ashanti; his grandsons, Jerimie, Thomas, and Sir Albert Jr.; his granddaughter, Jhyia Alanna; his sister, Dorothy Rachael; his brothers, Thomas Blanchard and Samuel (Shirley) Blanchard; his sisters-in-law, Lizzie (James) Harvey and Ella Starks; his brothers-in-law, Edward Thomas and Andrew (Gloria) Thomas; and his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Albert Blanchard Sr., and we extend our deepest sympathy to his family, his friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to his family as an expression of our sincerest condolences.