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| John Block Talks About Death of Son |
A former U.S. and Illinois Secretary of Agriculture was back in his home area recently, but he says it was for a trip he wishes he didn't have to make.
"I'm back (to Washington) from the farm," Block said. "It wasn't a visit of choice."
That's how John Block started his nationally-syndicated radio commentary as aired Thursday on the "WGIL Midday." Block was referring to returning home to Gilson from Washington and his agricultural advocacy work, following the death of his son Hans.
50-year old Hans Block died July 31st. He was riding a motorcycle in the 13-hundred block of Knox County Highway Seven around 6pm that day when a car investigators say was driven by 47-year old Gregory Dentino somehow hit it.
John Block says his son was heading home for dinner when the accident occurred.
Block says his son, who ran the family's farming operations, was dedicated to that task.
"My son was there to help fill in the void that I had left," Block said. "My father, my son, and I -- family partners -- operated and grew the business over the years from 200 acres to 4,000 acres. My son gradually took management control."
Block says that happened following his father's death in August 1997, and as his own work in national ag issues increased.
Block says he's heard from many people, including former President George H. W. Bush following his son Hans' death, and he's thankful to hear from all of them.
Knox County Sheriffs Deputies have not yet released any more details into the crash, saying as recently as this week their investigation had not yet completed.
(Hans Block. Photo courtesy Hurd Hendricks Funeral Home.) |
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| 08 13 09 by Newsroom |
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