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1
SENATE RESOLUTION

  
 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to 
3learn of the death of Richard Nordlof, who passed away on 
4January 31, 2018; and
  
 
5    WHEREAS, Richard Nordlof was born in 1933 and raised in 
6Rockford; he graduated from Rockford East High School in 1951; 
7he graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology 
8with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1955; 
9he married Joanne "Jody" Stafford in October 1955; the couple 
10them moved to Rockford; and
  
 
11    WHEREAS, In Rockford, Richard Nordlof worked for George D. 
12Roper Corp and then Mechanical Tool and Engineering Co.; he 
13later founded Rapid-Air-Corp., MTE Hydraulics, and Delta Power 
14Hydraulic Co.; he earned several patents for his inventions; 
15and
  
 
16    WHEREAS, Richard Nordlof was a performing member and 
17President of the Board of the Mendelssohn Club, and a member of 
18the Board of the Rockford Arts Council; and
  
 
19    WHEREAS, Richard Nordlof donated the money to buy and 
20renovate the former New American Theater in downtown Rockford; 
21in 2012, he donated the building to the Rockford Public Library 
 
 
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1with the stipulation that the building not be sold or converted 
2for other uses; the building was later named for him; and
  
 
3    WHEREAS, Richard Nordlof was presented the Register Star's 
4Excalibur Award in recognition of his community service in 
52007; and
  
 
6    WHEREAS, Richard Nordlof was a businessman and 
7philanthropist who served on numerous boards; he was best known 
8for his affinity for his hometown and his appreciation of the 
9arts; he was a champion for countless community causes and 
10leaves an astonishing legacy of accomplishments; and
  
 
11    WHEREAS, Richard Nordlof was preceded in death by his 
12parents; and his wife, Jody; and
  
 
13    WHEREAS, Richard Nordlof is survived by his children, 
14Gregory (Finny) Nordlof, Bradley (Duawn) Nordlof, Diane (Larry 
15Perez) Nordlof, and Donna (Brian) Nordlof-Hampton; his 
16grandchildren, Eric (Shannon Chilton) Nordlof, Sarah (Scott) 
17Affeldt, Paley Nordlof, and Paige Nordlof; his brother, Ronald 
18(Judy) Nordlof; his sister-in-law,  Priscilla Stafford; and his 
19special friend, LoRayne Logan; therefore, be it
  
 
20    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL 
21ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of 
 
 
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1Richard Nordlof and extend our sincere condolences to his 
2family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it 
3further
  
 
4    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
5presented to the family of Richard Nordlof as an expression of 
6our deepest sympathy.