HR1187 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1187 LRB099 21562 GRL 47922 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Earl Wallace "Wally" Henderson, Jr. of Springfield, who passed away on April 19, 2016 at the age of 85; and

WHEREAS, Wally Henderson was a longtime Springfield architect, preservationist, and community activist; he was the architect behind the restoration of the Old State Capitol in the 1960s when the historic landmark was brought back to how it appeared during Abraham Lincoln's era; and

WHEREAS, Wally Henderson was formerly a principal partner at Ferry and Henderson Architects, where his projects included the Springfield Municipal Plaza, the Willard Ice Building, the Public Affairs Building at the University of Illinois in Springfield, and the State Journal-Register Building; and

WHEREAS, In 2013, Wally Henderson was awarded the 2013 State Journal-Register First Citizen Award for "the breadth of his contributions in Springfield"; and

WHEREAS, Wally Henderson is credited with working behind the scenes to persuade the United States Mint to change plans for the design of the 2009 commemorative penny so the design would include a depiction of the Old State Capitol behind a gesturing Abraham Lincoln; and

WHEREAS, Wally Henderson's many accomplishments throughout his life include serving as Director and Director Emeritus of the Abraham Lincoln Association; and

WHEREAS, Wally Henderson was a passionate supporter of the City of Springfield, having once remarked that "Springfield has so much potential. Anything that can be thought of can be done. Anything that can improve Springfield, Illinois, we should be working hard at"; and

WHEREAS, Wally Henderson's contributions to the City of Springfield will far out last his 85 years of life and his example of good citizenship will stand as a model for so many in our community who wish to make the City of Springfield a better place; and

WHEREAS, Wally Henderson was a recognized role model, a loving husband to his wife, Brynn, a devoted father to Kirstin, Earl, Timothy, Rebecca, and Katherine, stepfather to Christopher and Brynn, the loving grandfather of eight grandchildren; and step-grandfather of three step-grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the loss of Earl Wallace "Wally" Henderson, Jr., 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 Wally Henderson as an expression of our deepest sympathy.