SR0161 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0161 LRB098 11347 GRL 42806 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Robert O. "Bob" Covey of Crystal Lake, who passed away on March 5, 2013; and

WHEREAS, Robert Covey was born on January 21, 1921, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin; his parents were David L. and Bessie Viola Covey; he married Mary Elizabeth Karlen on June 3, 1943, in Madison, Wisconsin; and

WHEREAS, Robert Covey earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and his Juris Doctor from Northwestern University; and

WHEREAS, Robert Covey was a proud member of the United States Navy; he served in the Pacific aboard the USS President Adams during World War II and attained the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade; and

WHEREAS, Robert Covey was a partner in the law firm Covey, McKinney, and Powers and a partner in the law firm of Covey and Covey; he was also president and chairman of the Board of First Federal Savings and Loan of Crystal Lake, vice president of First Federal of Chicago, and vice president of Citibank; and

WHEREAS, Robert Covey served as president of the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce in 1951 and was a chamber member for 63 years; and

WHEREAS, Robert Covey was a member of the Ambassador's Club and the Business of the Year Award was established in his name in 2003; he received the Citizen of the Year Award in 1993, the Carl E. Wehde Award in 2009, and the Melvin Jones Fellow Award, Distinguished Service Award, and Member of the Year Award 2003 and 2004 from the Crystal Lake Lions Club; he was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from the Crystal Lake Jaycees and the 50-year Member Award from the Shriners; he was also honored as the grand marshal of Gala Fourth of July Parade in 2009; and

WHEREAS, Robert Covey was the founding director and president of the Crystal Lake United Way and the director and president of the McHenry County United Way; he was the founding director and president of Crime Stoppers in 1983; he was a member of the McHenry County Board from 1985 to 1994 and served as vice chairman of the board and chairman of a building project; he served as co-chairman and president of the Crystal Lake All American City Campaign; he was a 63-year member of the Crystal Lake Lions Club and served as the club's president from 1964 to 1965; and

WHEREAS, Robert Covey served as the school board president of School District 47 from 1951 to 1961; he was the Northern Division Committee chairman of Junior Achievement of Chicago from 1980 to 1981; he was a member of the McHenry County Bar Association, the Crystal Lake Jaycees, Nunda Masonic Lodge, the Masons, and Napkin Ring; and

WHEREAS, Robert Covey was a member of First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake, where he served as chairman of the Board of Directors, chairman of the Governing Board, and Sunday school teacher; and

WHEREAS, Robert Covey was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Mary Elizabeth Covey; his parents, David L. and Bessie V. Covey; and his brother, Paul Covey; and

WHEREAS, Robert Covey is survived by his children, Karlen R. (Susie) Covey, Kathleen M. (John) Euler, Carol A. (Miles) Beard, and Christopher G. Covey; his grandchildren, Kelly (Eric) Breihan, Heather (Sam) Sorensen, Donald J. Donner, Regan (Jeremy) Bruski, John P. (Jennifer) Euler, Michael (Michele) Euler, Celeste Sollenberger, Dwight J. (Lauren) Beard, and Clayton Beard; and his 21 great-grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Robert O. "Bob" Covey; and be it further

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