Record #: R2015-487   
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Intro date: 6/17/2015 Current Controlling Legislative Body:
Final action: 6/17/2015
Title: Tribute to late Charles Benton
Sponsors: Burke, Edward M.
Attachments: 1. R2015-487.pdf

RESOLUTION

 

 

WHEREAS, Charles Benton has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 84; and

 

WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and

 

WHEREAS, A resident of Evanston, Charles Benton was a prominent film distributor and the loving husband for 62 years of Marjorie; and

 

WHEREAS, Charles Benton was the much-adored father of Craig and Adrianne and the grandfather of five to whom he imparted many of the fine and noble qualities that he possessed in abundance; and

 

WHEREAS, The son of the Honorable William Benton, a United States Senator from Connecticut and the longtime publisher of Encyclopedia Britannica, Charles Benton was raised in an influential family; and

 

WHEREAS, Charles Benton graduated from Deerfield Academy in Massachusetts and Yale University before moving with his wife to the Chicago area; and

 

WHEREAS, Charles Benton joined Encyclopedia Britannica and marketed Britannica films to schools and libraries; and

 

WHEREAS, Charles Benton was named President of Encyclopedia Britannica Films in 1964 and then President of its education unit in 1966 before launching his own distribution company, Public Media; and

 

WHEREAS, A champion of free speech and civil liberties, Charles Benton was appointed to serve on boards and commissions by three United States Presidents, including Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama; and

 

WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of Charles Benton serve as an example to all; and

 

WHEREAS, His love of life and ability to live it to the fullest endeared Charles Benton 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, Charles Benton will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his many relatives, friends and admirers; and

 

 

WHEREAS, To his beloved family, Charles Benton 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 seventeenth day of June, 2015, do hereby commemorate Charles Benton 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 Charles Benton.