HR1216 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1216 LRB099 21686 MST 48222 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Ronald J. Gunter on the occasion of his retirement as Director of the Westmont Park District on May 31, 2016; and

WHEREAS, Ronald Gunter was hired by the Westmont Park District on May 15, 1977 after graduating from George Williams College with a masters degree in park and recreation administration; he spent 6 years working in the recreation field to help pay for college; he has worked nearly 40 years at the Westmont Park District, 37 of those as Director; and

WHEREAS, During Ronald Gunter's tenure, the District grew significantly; when he began, there were three parks and a community center; since that time, the District has added 14 neighborhood parks, a 9-hole golf course, a fitness and racquetball club, and a 36 acre community park; and

WHEREAS, Ronald Gunter has served the community as a volunteer and coach; he has been a Rotarian for 32 years, a Lions Club member for 36 years, a SEASPAR Board member for 20 years, and a high school basketball coach for 15 years; and

WHEREAS, Ronald Gunter has helped bring organizations, municipal agencies, and service clubs together over his 40 years for the sole benefit of Westmont; he is a tireless volunteer and advocate for the community; and

WHEREAS, Ronald Gunter has served on numerous committees throughout his years, including the 75th anniversary committee, the 100th anniversary committee, and the Promote Westmont Commission; and

WHEREAS, Ronald Gunter was an active member of the Illinois Park & Recreation Association early in his career; and

WHEREAS, Ronald Gunter received the Citizen of the Year Award in 1988, 1996, and 2009; and

WHEREAS, Ronald Gunter plans to stay involved in the community through his role as Mayor of Westmont; and

WHEREAS, Ronald Gunter is husband to Antoinette "Toni"; father to Brad and Natalie; and a grandfather; he has managed to remain hands-on and involved in all phases of family life, especially with his grandkids, while leading an incredibly active career in Westmont; and

WHEREAS, A retirement party will be held in Ronald Gunter's honor on May 21, 2016; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Ronald J. Gunter on his retirement as Director of the Westmont Park District and we wish him the best in all his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Ronald Gunter as an expression of our esteem and respect.