RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Honorable Richard J. Elrod has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 80; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, A widely admired Circuit Court Judge and former Cook County Sheriff, the Honorable Richard J. Elrod was the loving husband for fifty-eight years of Marilyn, nee Mann; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Richard J. Elrod was the much-adored father of Steven and Audrey and the grandfather of five to whom he imparted many of the fine and noble qualities that he possessed in abundance; and
WHEREAS, Born into a politically influential family, the Honorable Richard J. Elrod was the son of the late Cook County Commissioner Arthur X. Elrod and his wife, Delia; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Richard J. Elrod earned his undergraduate and law degrees from Northwestern University and entered public service; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Richard J. Elrod served as a State Representative and as Chief Prosecutor for the City of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, During a 1969 demonstration in downtown Chicago led by the radical Weathermen faction, the Honorable Richard J. Elrod suffered serious spinal damage while attempting to subdue a protestor who was fleeing police; and
WHEREAS, Despite suffering permanent injury, the Honorable Richard J. Elrod never allowed his physical limitations to define his future life or career; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Richard J. Elrod served four terms as Cook County Sheriff from 1970 to 1986; and
WHEREAS, A resident of Lincolnwood, the Honorable Richard J. Elrod began his long and distinguished tenure as a member of the bench beginning in 1986; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of the Honorable Richard J. Elrod serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Richard J. Elrod will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his many relatives, friends and admirers; and
WHEREAS, To his beloved family, the Honorable Richard J. Elrod 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 thirtieth day of April, 2014, do hereby commemorate the Honorable Richard J. Elrod 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 ofthe Honorable Richard J. Elrod.