IL SR1345

Honors Bruce Edward Saurs of East Peoria, who died on July 10, 2014, at age 88.

Recognizes his military service in the U.S. Army Air Forces (1945-1946) and Illinois Air National Guard (1951-1954), and his career as a teacher and baseball coach at Peoria High School starting in 1949.

Acknowledges his major role in professional hockey, including purchasing the Peoria Rivermen in 1989 and helping establish an International Hockey League franchise in San Antonio in 1996; the Rivermen won the Turner Cup in 1991 and an East Coast Hockey League title in 2000.

Notes his business ventures in the automobile industry, including partnerships in Ford, Lincoln, Volvo, and Cadillac dealerships, and ownership of downtown Peoria establishments.

Extends condolences to his surviving wife Rebecca, three sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, stepsons, and step-grandchildren.