SR1369 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1369 LRB099 16743 MST 41082 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Barry Keefe of Wheaton, who passed away on January 10, 2016 at the age of 62; and

WHEREAS, Barry Keefe was born on Chicago's North Side; he grew up in Niles, Michigan, where he began his career as a weekend disc jockey at WNIL at 17, while still in high school; he earned his bachelor's degree in communications from Grand Valley State University at Allendale, Michigan, where he was also the news director for the college radio station; he later worked for stations in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and

WHEREAS, Barry Keefe retired in 2008 after 30 years as director of news and public affairs at WTMX FM 101.9; he was best known for his long run as news anchor on Eric Ferguson and Kathy Hart's top-rated morning show, "Eric and Kathy" on The Mix; he joined the hot adult-contemporary station in 1978 when it was still known as WCLR; he also taught sound engineering at the Illinois Institute of Art from 2010 to 2014 and served as their Assistant Director of Admissions; and

WHEREAS, During his career, Barry Keefe won or shared more than 75 awards for his work; some of his honors included winning The Associated Press' award for Best Enterprise and Investigative Reporting in 1982, the AP's awards in 1986 for Best Editorial, Best Documentary, and Best Public Service Announcement, the United Press International's award for Best Newswriter in 1991, and the Illinois Broadcasters Association's Silver Dome Award in 2008 for the Best Public Affairs Program; and

WHEREAS, Barry Keefe was involved in a variety of volunteer activities, including working to save the Wheaton Grand Theater in Wheaton, forming WTMX's volunteer fair, and offering his time to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the DuPage County Suburban Emergency Management Project, and the Glen Ellyn-based Teen Parent Connection; and

WHEREAS, Barry Keefe is survived by his wife, Kathy, and his sons, Alex and Aidan; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Barry Keefe, 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 Barry Keefe as an expression of our deepest sympathy.