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Date: 8/8/2021
Subject: Celebration of Life for Bill Donels and Dedication Ceremony
From: Springfield Bicycle Club



Springfield Bicycle Club News - August 2021

Celebration of Life and Dedication Ceremony of Memorial Bench

Bill Donels

July 30, 1941 - May 9, 2020
 
On March 9, 2020 Bill Donels, a longtime member of the Springfield Bicycle Club, died quietly at his home. At his passing the Club lost a valued member and friend, and the cycling community lost a tireless and effective advocate.
 
During his career at Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) he served as the Trails Program Manager, and was instrumental in the development of 70 miles of greenways and trails at the Jim Edgar Panther Creek site. After retirement in 2002 he continued his work with the development of trails and greenways in Springfield and Sangamon County and worked with the appropriate agencies in the development of long range plans for trails, streets and other cycling opportunities. He was effective in the development of plans and implementation of the trails around Springfield, most recently the extension of the Sangamon Valley Trail. He served on the Springfield Bicycle Advisory Council, and served as its chair; he inititated the efforts that succeeded in the city receiving national recognition as a Bicycle Friendly Community from the League of American Bicyclists.
 
He was an avid rider and early member of the Club, which he served as a board member and as legislative liaison, keeping the club informed of developments and conveying to public agencies the concerns of club cyclists. In 2009 he received the Club’s No Bell Award, our highest honor.
 
To honor Bill, the SBC established a fund to purchase a bench to be installed on the Sangamon Valley Trail.  This project is nearly complete and there will be a Celebration of Life and Dedication Ceremony. SBC members are welcome to attend and are encouraged to wear cycling jerseys. 
 
Celebration of Life
Saturday, August 28, 2021
11:00 A.M.
Westminster Presbyterian Church
533 South Walnut
Springfield, IL
 
Cyclists are encouraged to wear biking jerseys at this memorial service.
Lunch/Reception immediately following 
 
Dedication Ceremony for Memorial Bench
Saturday, August 28, 2021
2:00 P.M. 
Following the lunch reception, dedication of Bill's memorial will take place at the Sangamon Valley Trail
 
 
Copyright 2021 Springfield Bicycle Club, all rights reserved
Mailing Address:
PO Box 13035
SpringfieldIL  62791-3035
United States of America