SR1016 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1016 LRB098 20637 MST 57178 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of the Very Reverend Dr. Keith Richard Roderick of Springfield, who passed away on March 11, 2014; and

WHEREAS, Father Roderick was born in Springfield on February 26, 1953 to Donald and Joanne (nee Spring) Roderick; he graduated from Belevidere High School in 1971 and enlisted in the Illinois Air National Guard (183rd Fighter Wing); he later served as a reservist in the United States Navy; he married Mary Beth Hansen on June 29, 1974 in Springfield and earned his bachelor's degree from Sangamon State University in 1976; in 1980, he earned his Master's in Divinity from the University of Dubuque; he furthered his studies at Nashotah House Seminary in 1986; and

WHEREAS, Father Roderick spent many years preaching in the Episcopal Church, serving at St. James' in Marion, St. Stephen's in Harrisburg, St. James' in McLeansboro, St. George's in Macomb, and St. Andrew's in Carbondale; in 2013, he was invested as provost of the Episcopal Cathedral in Springfield; and

WHEREAS, Father Roderick was an educated scholar in addition to his ministering; he published articles in several high-profile journals, testified as an expert witness for multiple congressional committees, and consulted on human rights issues with 2 U.S. presidents; in 1998, he was appointed dean of Spoon River College in Macomb, where he also taught Philosophy and World Religions; and

WHEREAS, Father Roderick had many passions in his life; he traveled to some of the most dangerous places in the world in order to serve the oppressed and vulnerable and fight for the rights of people living under religious and political persecution; and

WHEREAS, Father Roderick enjoyed spending his spare moments with his wife, digging through dusty archives and muddy cemeteries on genealogical adventures; he was also a great fan of the Thin Man movies; and

WHEREAS, Father Roderick is survived by his children, Seth (Lacey) Roderick, Micah (Amy) Roderick, Noah (Charish) Roderick, Sarah (Jack) Fitch, Joseph (Rachel) Roderick, and Susannah Roderick; his foster child, Malyn (Ahmed) Vasty; his grandson, Quinn Roderick; his wife, Mary Beth Roderick; his parents, Joanne Roderick and Donald (Tish) Roderick; his brother, Blake (Betsy) Roderick; his sister, Pam Roderick; his step-sisters, Catherine (Kyle) Alexander and Elizabeth Bassler; and by several nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of the Very Reverend Dr. Keith Richard Roderick, 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 Father Roderick as an expression of our deepest sympathy.