RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Melvin Gordon has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 95; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, Melvin Gordon chaired Tootsie Roll Industries in Chicago and was the loving husband for 65 years of Ellen, nee Rubin; and
WHEREAS, Melvin Gordon was the much-adored father of Virginia, Karen, Wendy and Lisa and the grandfather of six to whom he imparted many of the fine and noble qualities that he possessed in abundance; and
WHEREAS, The company, founded in New York City in 1896 by Leo Hirschfield, moved to Chicago in 1968; and
WHEREAS, The iconic American candy was named after Hirschfield's daughter, Clara, whom he called "Tootsie"; and
WHEREAS, Tootsie Rolls were distributed to United States soldiers during both World War II and the Korean War; and
WHEREAS, Melvin Gordon, a Harvard graduate, took over the top job at Tootsie Roll Industries from his wife's father and headed the privately-run company for fifty years; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of Melvin Gordon serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, His love of life and ability to live it to the fullest endeared Melvin Gordon to his family members, friends and all who knew him, and enabled him to enrich their lives in ways they will never forget; and
WHEREAS, Melvin Gordon was an individual of great integrity and accomplishment who will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his many relatives, friends and admirers; and
WHEREAS, To his beloved family, Melvin Gordon imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service and dignity; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this eighteenth day of March, 2015, do hereby commemorate Melvin Gordon for his grace-filled life and do hereby express our condolences to his family; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Melvin Gordon.
Al