SR0517 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0517 LRB095 18782 GRL 45094 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of John Barry McRaith of Lincolnwood, who passed away on December 20, 2007; and

WHEREAS, John Barry McRaith was born on September 4, 1939 in Louisville, Kentucky and grew up in Evanston; he was president of Loyola Academy's Class of 1957 and a star golfer, winning a scholarship to Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio; during his first year in college, his father died, leading him to return home to help support his mother and siblings; he took a job managing Evanston's municipal golf course, working there for several years; and

WHEREAS, In 1969, John Barry McRaith and Loyola Academy classmate Pat Kearney purchased the Sethness-Greenleaf Company, where he served as President and CEO for 38 years; due to Mr. McRaith's vision, personality, charisma, and leadership, Sethness-Greenleaf grew into an international company, becoming the supplier of Green River Soda, flavorings for the Fat Tuesday's restaurant chain and the Arbor Mist line of wines, and the world famous green dye used in the famous St. Patrick's Day tradition of dying the Chicago River green; and

WHEREAS, John Barry McRaith was well known in the business world for his unique form of leadership, which focused on a personal touch with employees and customers; he eschewed the use of voicemail or e-mail in his various dealings; and

WHEREAS, John Barry McRaith was active with several charities and civic organizations, including the Boys Hope/Girls Hope, Meet the Wilderness, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Howard Area Community Center, the Sheffield Neighborhood Association, and Loyola Academy; he also served as chairman of the board at the Addolorata Villa Retirement Center; and

WHEREAS, John Barry McRaith's passions included his large family, golfing, and traveling; he was an avid Chicago sports fan, holding season tickets for the Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, and the Northwestern Wildcats Football and Basketball for many years; and

WHEREAS, John Barry McRaith is survived by his children, Barry Jr. (Carol), Kevin, Michael, Meaghan (Con) Egan, and Brigid; his sisters, Mary Ann, Kathleen (Lloyd) Maday, Brigid (Patrick) Hughes, and Maureen (Jay) McGowan; his brother, Thomas (Jimmie); and his six grandchildren, Allie, Fiona, Joseph Barry, Sam, Juliette, and Sean; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of John Barry McRaith; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of John Barry McRaith as an expression of our sympathy.