WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SR 711

MEMORIAL-BLAKE E. RODERICK

104th Regular Session Introduced by Jil Tracy

The bill is a ceremonial memorial honoring Blake E. Roderick for his service to agriculture, health care, and civic groups, and conveys the Senate’s condolences.

Resolution Adopted
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 711

Summary of Senate Resolution 711 (SR0711), 104th General Assembly, Illinois

Note: This is a memorial resolution recognizing the life of Blake Eugene Roderick and expressing condolences. It does not enact policy or create law.

1) Purpose and intent

  • SR0711 is a Senate Memorial Resolution recognizing and mourning the death of Blake Eugene Roderick, who passed away on March 27, 2026.
  • The resolution honors Roderick’s life, contributions to his community, and his family, and expresses condolences to his loved ones.
  • It serves as an official, formal expression of sympathy from the Illinois Senate.

2) Key provisions and content

  • A detailed biographical tribute outlining:
    • Birth and family background (born January 20, 1957, in Gibson City; parents Donald Eugene and Alice Joanne Roderick).
    • Education (Lanphier High School graduate, 1975; BS in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M; graduate of the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation program; Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow).
    • Career achievements:
    • Longtime staff and executive leadership in agricultural organizations: started with Sangamon County Farm Bureau in 1981; manager of Pike County Farm Bureau (1981); joint management of Scott County Farm Bureau (1987); led merger of Pike-Scott Farm Bureaus in 2018; retirement as executive director of the Pike-Scott Farm Bureau in 2022.
    • Recognitions and awards for Liberty Bell awards, top membership honors, and program awards at state and national levels.
    • Civic and board service:
    • Leadership roles in Illini Community Health Care System, Illini Community Hospital, IHS Pharmacy; vice-chairman of Blessing Care Corporation; treasurer of the Illinois Council for Food and Agriculture Research; director roles with Illini Community Health Care Foundation; governance roles with regional and port authorities (Mid-America Port Commission, Mid-America Port District), and involvement with various civic organizations (Libraries, Theatre Guild, etc.).
    • Board memberships including U.S. Selective Service System and involvement in the Illinois 25x25 Coalition.
    • Fraternal and religious affiliations:
    • Freemasonry (Master Mason since 1995; Worshipful Master of Pittsfield Lodge #790; District Deputy Grand Master for the 13th Western District; Scottish Rite Mason; Ansar Shrine; past president of Pike County Shrine Club; member of Carlock Lodge #904).
    • Religious affiliation: member of Third Presbyterian Church in Springfield.
    • Personal interests:
    • Travel with his wife, extensive travel within all U.S. states and multiple continents; avid book collector with interests in Churchill, Lincoln, history, and classic spy/detective authors; interest in nature and space program.
    • Family status:
    • Survived by wife Betsy, children Evan, Jacob, Joshua, and Rachel (with spouses and grandchildren listed), as well as other relatives and friends.
  • The resolution ends with a formal expression of sympathy and directs that a copy be presented to Roderick’s family.

3) Who or what would be affected

  • Individuals and entities connected to Blake E. Roderick (family, colleagues, and organizations listed in the biographical tribute) receive formal recognition and condolences.
  • The Illinois Senate officially records and communicates its condolences to his family and supporters.

4) Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Co-sponsor: Senator Jil Tracy.
  • Action history:
    • Filed with Secretary: April 10, 2026
    • Referred to Resolutions Consent Calendar: April 10, 2026
    • Adopted by the Senate: April 16, 2026
  • This is a commemorative resolution with no legislative impact on law or policy; its effect is ceremonial and public acknowledgment.

Bottom line

SR0711 is a memorial resolution honoring Blake Eugene Roderick for his service to agriculture, health care, civic organizations, and fraternal organizations, and for his personal contributions to his community. It conveys the Senate’s condolences and appreciation for his lifelong work and public service.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.