SR0863 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0863 LRB103 39931 LAW 70998 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Patrick L. "Pat" Ward of Peoria, who passed away on March 10, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Pat Ward was born to William R. and Theresa (Murray) Ward in Peoria on March 23, 1950; he married Kathleen Berchtold in Peoria on February 12, 2005; and

WHEREAS, Pat Ward worked and retired as chairman of South Side Bank in Peoria; he later owned and operated National Marine Sales in Peoria Heights; he was the retired chairman of Mid Illinois Bank Corp and a former teacher at Illinois Central College; he was also previously an owner of the Peoria Pirates football team and a founder of the Junior Football League (JFL) in Peoria; and

WHEREAS, Pat Ward was a past board member and president of the St. Jude Midwest Affiliate Clinic, a past board member of Easterseals and Eureka College, a past board member and chairman of the Peoria Gridiron Dinner, a board member and state chair of the American Institute of Bankers, a lifetime member of the St. Patrick's Society in Peoria, and a board member of the South Side Office of Concern, the South Side Businessmen's Club, the Peoria Chamber of Commerce, the Peoria Zoning Commission, the Peoria Housing Authority, the Creve Coeur Club, Neighborhood House, and IRBBA; he was also a member and past commodore of the IVY Club, and he served on the IVY Club Foundation Board; and

WHEREAS, Pat Ward was a fan of the Notre Dame football team and the Chicago Bears; he enjoyed cheering for his grandchildren's sports teams from the sidelines; and

WHEREAS, Pat Ward was preceded in death by his sister, Colleen Hillard; and

WHEREAS, Pat Ward is survived by his wife; his children, Jason (Beth) Ward, Jeff (Jessica) Ward, Whitney Thompson, and Nick (Devon) Thompson; his grandsons, Brandon, Brady, Gavin, Dayne, and August Thompson; his sister, Kathleen (Wally) Harper; and his brother, Tim (Sue) Ward; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Patrick L. "Pat" Ward 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 Pat Ward as an expression of our deepest sympathy.