HR0579 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0579 LRB097 14117 GRL 59104 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened by the death of our friend and colleague, State Representative Mark Beaubien Jr. of Barrington Hills, who passed away on June 5, 2011; and

WHEREAS, Mark Beaubien was born on October 30, 1942, in Waukegan; he married Dee Prola Beaubien on August 15, 1964, in Springfield; together, they raised 2 sons and have 5 grandchildren; Dee was his wife for 47 years, his best friend of over 50 years, and the source of much of his inspiration; and

WHEREAS, Representative Beaubien was an Assistant Republican Leader; he served as State Representative since his appointment in October of 1995 to fill a vacancy; after being elected in the 1996 primary and general elections, he was subsequently re-elected to seven additional two-year terms; and

WHEREAS, Prior to becoming a lawmaker, Representative Beaubien served as a member of the Lake County Board from 1992 to 1996, during which time he also served as Township Supervisor of the City of Cuba; he also enjoyed a successful career in both law and banking, quickly emerging as a community leader through his professional experience and civic involvement; and

WHEREAS, Representative Beaubien's expertise in law and finance proved to be a tremendous asset as the House Republicans' chief budget negotiator; in this role, Rep. Beaubien became a leading advocate for fiscal responsibility; and

WHEREAS, During his tenure in the General Assembly, some of Representative Beaubien's proudest moments included spearheading initiatives to make seatbelt enforcement a primary reason for law enforcement to stop a vehicle, voting with his convictions in support of the Human Rights Amendment and the recent Civil Union Bill, passing a bill that provides Municipal Pension Reform, leading the charge to save Round Lake Schools, and playing an active role in the Sportsman's Caucus and issues related to hunting and other open space issues; and

WHEREAS, Representative Beaubien was dedicated to community service throughout his life; his civic activities over the years includes his involvement with the Northwestern University Committee on Athletics and Recreation (1988-1992), the Board of Directors of Buehler YMCA in Palatine (1971-1993), the Board of Directors at Northwest Community Hospital (1978-1991); he was a member of the John Evans Club of Northwestern University (1988-2011), the Barrington Area Community Center Task Force (1993-1995), the Barrington Area Seniors Task Force (1994-1997), the Founders' Committee of the Ela Area YMCA (1994-1997), and the Lake County and Illinois State Bar Associations; he also coached Little League baseball and football for many years; and

WHEREAS, Representative Beaubien received his bachelor's degree from Northwestern University in 1964 and his Juris Doctor from the Northwestern University School of Law in 1967; and

WHEREAS, Representative Beaubien was revered for his knowledge, compassion, and sense of humor; his door was always open and he was often sought out for advice by members from both parties; and

WHEREAS, Representative Beaubien was a confident man who refused to limit his ideals to those of his generation, embracing the timeless values of honor, respect, loyalty, and integrity, while rejecting its occasional intolerance and prejudice; he knew instinctively that the fundamental rights that he both cherished and demanded were meaningless unless they were enjoyed by all men and women; his principled leadership made it easy for him to support issues and causes that were unpopular with some; and

WHEREAS, Representative Beaubien's easy wit, quick smile, and unpretentious wisdom made him well liked by even those with whom he disagreed; if asked why he was one of the few Republican supporters of the Civil Union Bill, he would respond with humility and simplicity that it was simply time and that we should all "live our lives and speak our own truths"; his legacy is in his conviction and his values; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family, friends, and constituents, the passing of Illinois State Representative Mark Beaubien Jr.; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Representative Mark Beaubien, Jr. as a symbol of our sincere sympathy.