HR1354 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1354 LRB099 22349 MST 49764 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Dr. Thomas A. Lawless, who passed away on June 21, 2016; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Lawless was born in Dixon to Thomas Lawless and Phyllis Wells on July 1, 1947; he had two siblings, Patricia and Joe; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Lawless married Barbara Wojtowycz on August 31, 1968; they had three children and nine grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Lawless graduated from Dixon High School in 1965; he continued his education at Northern Illinois University, studying pre-optometry; upon completion of his undergraduate degree, he enrolled in medical school at the Illinois College of Optometry, where he graduated cum laude with a degree in optometry in 1971; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Lawless opened his own practice in his hometown of Dixon in 1973, and worked there until 2010; he specialized in primary care optometry for 37 years until his business was sold and merged with KSB Hospital, where he worked for six years; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Lawless was a proud and meaningful servant to his community; his involvement included Rehab for Dignity, the Lee County Council on Aging, the Society of St. Vincent DePaul, the St. Patrick's Parish Council, and the St. Mary's School Board; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Lawless was loved dearly by his family and friends, highly respected by his colleagues and a dedicated community servant who will be greatly missed by all those who knew him; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Dr. Thomas A. Lawless, and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the family of Dr. Lawless as an expression of our deepest sympathy.