SR0297 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0297 LRB098 12000 MST 45507 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Dale McRae of Bethalto, who passed away on May 2, 2013; and

WHEREAS, Dale McRae was born on September 5, 1928, to Lena and Waldo McRae in Oakdale; after the passing of his father when he was young, his mother remarried and his stepfather, Ebenezer Duguid, became affectionately known to him as "Pop"; he married Lois Hitch on November 29, 1947; and

WHEREAS, In 1944, at age 16, Dale McRae began working at Laclede Steel, spending the next 42 years working there and retiring as Supervisor of Production Scheduling and Planning for the wire mill; he later became plant manager for Willing Bee Wire Company in Willingboro, New Jersey, and then sold real estate for Coldwell Banker-Pasley Realtors in Bethalto; and

WHEREAS, Dale McRae believed in public service, education, and volunteerism; he was the chairman of the Meadowbrook Public Water District helping to bring city sewers to Meadowbrook and he served on the Bethalto School Board, during which time the present high school was constructed; he also volunteered for numerous religious and community organizations; and

WHEREAS, Dale McRae had many natural talents including home construction and the ability to repair anything from washing machines to car engines; he was an avid pinochle player end especially enjoyed playing with his family; and

WHEREAS, Dale McRae was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Ebenezer Duguid; his in-laws, Charles and Goldie Hitch; his daughter, Lori Ann McRae; his granddaughter, Danna Marie McRae; his grandson, Thomas Daniel Rice; his brothers, Jerry and Wally McRae; his sister, Lorraine Shetley; his brothers-in-law, James Hitch, Jess Stone, Sam Shetley, and James Ray; and his sister-in-law, Ellen McRae; and

WHEREAS, Dale McRae is survived by his wife, Lois; his children, Steve (Holly) McRae, Dan (Susan) McRae, Kevin (Stacy) McRae, Terri Downs, Tom (Patti) McRae, Barb (Steve) Bryant, and Jeff (Tina) McRae; his 20 grandchildren; his 25 great-grandchildren; his brother, David (Sharon) Duguid; his sister, Alice (Dave) Chamness; his sister-in-law, Henrietta (Bill) Dorsey; his brother-in-law, Ron (Barb) Hitch; his sister-in-law, Sharon (Neil) McGuire; his sisters-in-law, Pauline Stone, Nira Ray, Shelby Hitch, and Billie Masicro; as well as numerous nephews and nieces; therefore, be it

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