HR0062 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0062 LRB099 04341 GRL 26953 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Robert "Bob" Gilliam of Elgin, who passed away on December 30, 2014; and

WHEREAS, Robert Gilliam graduated from Elgin High School in 1963; and

WHEREAS, Robert Gilliam worked for the Elgin Area School District U-46 for 34 years in a variety of capacities, including teacher, dean of students, and assistant superintendent; he retired in 2002; and

WHEREAS, Robert Gilliam was the City of Elgin's first African-American council member and the longest-serving member in its history, serving for 40 years from 1973 to 2013; he is believed to be the longest-serving City Councilman in Illinois outside of Chicago; he also served as Commissioner of The Housing Authority of Elgin for 25 years from 1988 to 2013; he helped guide Elgin through the difficult decades of the 1970s and 1980s and into a period of growth and revitalization; as City Councilman, he showed political courage by supporting the construction of the Riverside Water Treatment Plant, allowing Elgin to become independent from relying on Chicago for its water supply; the new treatment plant utilized the Fox River for Elgin's water, allowing the city to attract new businesses and development, while providing clean, reliable water to its residents; and

WHEREAS, In September of 2014, Elgin renamed the municipal building The Robert Gilliam Municipal Complex in his honor; and

WHEREAS, Robert Gilliam is survived by his wife of 28 years, Marianne; his 2 children, Soynia and Tony; his brother, Joseph; his sister, Valerie; and his grandson; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Robert "Bob" Gilliam, and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Robert Gilliam as an expression of our deepest sympathy.