RESOLUTION HONORING TIMOTHY B. GIBSON
WHEREAS, It is with great respect that the members of the Chicago City Council congratulate Timothy B. Gibson on his retirement from the Chicago Park District after 41 years of service; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed body has been informed of this special occasion by the Honorable Patrick O'Connor, Alderman of the 40th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Tim Gibson has been a longtime resident and dedicated member of the Chicago community. After attending school at St. Henry Grammar School and St. Gregory High School in Rogers Park, Tim played for a short period of time with the Chicago White Sox before beginning his long and illustrious career with the Chicago Park District; and
WHEREAS, Tim began his career with the Chicago Park District as a recreation leader at Pottawatomie Park in December of 1976. After two years he became an instructor at Emmerson Park and was then promoted to Instructor in Charge, later becoming the Playground Supervisor; and
WHEREAS, After a couple of years working at both Margate and Rosedale Parks, he was transferred to Mather Park in 1985, which is where Tim dedicated his time creating recreational sporting tournaments throughout the community. He ran numerous softball and basketball leagues and tournaments for teens as well as weekly men's, women's and co-rec softball leagues. He was also very involved in many grammar and high school tournaments; and
WHEREAS, Tim was better known as "Mr. Softball", because of his love for the game of 16" softball, which eventually propelled him to assist Alderman O'Connor in organizing the 40th Ward annual Softball Tournament. This community tradition is still in existence today and has grown to now include the 40th Ward Family Fest, an event with family-friendly games and activities; and
WHEREAS, On March 24, 1993, Tim Gibson was blessed with a baby boy, Sean Stuart Gibson; and
WHEREAS, In 1999, after many commendable years managing Mather Park, he was chosen as supervisor of both Mather and Briar Parks. He continued running numerous tournaments as well as introduced the Junior Bear Football Program to Mather Park with his own team known as the Mather Park Falcons; and
WHEREAS, Tim has been a valuable contributor to the Chicago Park District for over four decades. Tim served as a player, referee, umpire, coach and mentor to many kids throughout various neighborhoods in which he worked. He supervised many staff in multiple parks on the North Side of Chicago as well as managed countless programs for children and adults. Tim
consistently made a positive impact wherever he worked and has been an essential part of the community; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this twenty-third day of May, 2018, do hereby recognize and celebrate the achievements and dedication of Timothy B. Gibson, a wonderful asset to the Chicago Park District.
PATRICK O'CONNOR Alderman, 40th Ward
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be prepared and presented to Timothy G. Gibson as a token of our gratitude and respect.