Bloomington-Normal leaders are sharing their condolences after the death of a man who's being called a tireless advocate.
Ryan Whitehouse, the Illinois Farm Bureau’s [IFB] director of national legislation, died Wednesday following an accident in Michigan. He was 43.
“This is a tremendous loss, personally, of an amazing man. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and co-workers,” IFB President Brian Duncan said in a statement. “Ryan excelled in everything he did at Illinois Farm Bureau and throughout his work in the Bloomington-Normal community. He leaves a lasting impact and a true legacy of service.”
Whitehouse joined the Illinois Farm Bureau in 2013. He held several roles in political advocacy and engagement. The farm bureau credited Whitehouse with developing a program that helped county farm bureaus engage with local elections and appointed officials.
“Ryan’s agriculture background helped him connect with our farmer members and he inspired them to tell their story in Washington, D.C., or on their farm,” the farm bureau said of the Arrowsmith native.
Whitehouse chaired the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council [EDC] board and the board of Connect Transit, along with the St. Jude Run/Walk Committee, according to the farm bureau.
The head of the EDC and Connect Transit issued a joint statement calling Whitehouse a “visionary leader” whose dedication “left an indelible mark on Bloomington and Normal.”
“Ryan’s tireless advocacy for public transit secured over $75 million in federal and state grants since 2017, including the Downtown Bloomington transfer center which will transform the infrastructure, accessibility and enhance service for our customers while elevating the perception of public transit in our community,” EDC CEO Patrick Hoban and Connect Transit Managing Director David Braun said.
They added Whitehouse was instrumental in the success of the EDC’s annual One Voice trips to Washington, D.C., where community leaders advocated for federal funding for projects in Bloomington-Normal.
“Ryan Whitehouse’s legacy of service through assertiveness and fairness will continue to inspire us,” Hoban and Braun said. “Together, we will honor his memory by continuing the work he so passionately championed.”
