HR0639 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0639 LRB099 13043 MST 36920 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Gerald J. "Jerry" Roper, who passed away on June 28, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Jerry Roper was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania's blue-collar Spring Garden neighborhood, the son of John and Jessie Roper; after serving his country in the United States Army, he worked his way up in the hospitality industry; and

WHEREAS, Jerry Roper served in a variety of different roles in hospitality administration, including, marketing director for Holiday Inns and for Sheraton hotels; a director of trade shows for the National Restaurant Association; President of the Rosemont O'Hare Convention and Visitors Bureau, and eventually President of the Chicago Convention and Visitors Bureau; and

WHEREAS, Jerry Roper served as President of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce from 1993 to 2013, and under his strong leadership, it grew to be one of the most respected and renowned business organizations in the country, and he also lead it to a 5-star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; and

WHEREAS, Jerry Roper was extensively involved with many civic and local organizations, has been honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award as a founding member of Chicago Gateway Green, and was honored with January 25, 2012 being named as "Jerry Roper Day" in Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Jerry Roper was a true champion for the city of Chicago and for every business and tourism initiative in the Chicago area, and he will be remembered as a vibrant and tenacious leader with a lasting impact throughout Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Jerry Roper was the heartbeat of Chicago and through his selfless energy, commitment to innovation and new ideas, tireless work as an advocate, and courage in the face of huge obstacles, he was the person that all strive to be; and

WHEREAS, Jerry Roper is survived by his wife, Carol Buseman Roper; son, Jerry Roper, Jr.; daughter, Tani Sison; brother, Donald Andrezjwski; and 2 grandchildren, Grace and Evan; 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 Gerald J. "Jerry" Roper, 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 Jerry Roper as an expression of our deepest sympathy.