SR1222 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1222 LRB099 15426 GRL 39708 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Yancey B. Torrez of Waukegan, who passed away on October 29, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Yancey Torrez was born on February 1, 1923 in Lorraine, Texas; his parents were Mariano and Maria Torrez; he married Amalia Arenas on November 29, 1952 in Waukegan; and

WHEREAS, Yancey Torrez moved to Waukegan in 1929 at the age of 5, being among the first Mexican families in Lake County; and

WHEREAS, Yancey Torrez served his country as a member of the United States Navy during World War II, attaining the rank of Seaman First Class; in 1950, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant, and was honorable discharged in 1954; and

WHEREAS, Yancey Torrez was employed at Abbott Laboratories and Midland Dexter, where he retired after many years of service; and

WHEREAS, Yancey Torrez was a member of the Marine Corps League Detachment 801, Lake County, IL, where he participated in parades, honor duty, funeral ceremonies, and other activities; he also worked with the Kirk Park Neighborhood Association and was a founding member of Comite Festejo Mexicanos; he was also a member of the American G.I. Forum and numerous other veterans groups; and

WHEREAS, Yancey Torrez enjoyed hanging out at McDonald's each morning, inspiring the workers and chatting with his coffee klatch buddies; he also enjoyed music, woodworking, and photography; and

WHEREAS, Yancey Torrez was preceded in death by his wife, Amalia; his parents; his brothers, Rafael Torrez and Richard Torrez; his grandchildren, Rafael Torrez, Jr. and Christina Torrez; and his son-in-law, Juan J. Valle; and

WHEREAS, Yancey Torrez is survived by his children, Rafael Torrez, Martha Valle, Henry "Rick" (Mildred) Torrez, Yolanda Torrez (Jose "Joe" Zuniga), Edward (Andrea Terry) Torrez, and Hector Torrez; 10 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 6 brothers and sisters; and his many nieces, nephews, and cousins; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we, along with his family and friends, mourn the passing of Yancey B. Torrez; and be it further

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