RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Harry Volkman has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 89; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, A longtime resident of Itasca, Harry Volkman was a legendary Chicago television meteorologist and the loving husband of Alana; and
WHEREAS, Harry Volkman was the much-adored father of Eddie, Ron, Jerry and Charlotte, the grandfather of ten and the great-grandfather of three to whom he imparted many of the fine and noble qualities that he possessed in abundance; and
WHEREAS, Harry Volkman graduated from Tufts University and studied meteorology at Tulsa University before beginning his career at KOTV-TV in Tulsa in 1950; and
WHEREAS, While working at WKY-TV in Oklahoma City in 1952, Harry Volkman was the first weatherman in the nation to issue a "tornado alert" during a live broadcast; and
WHEREAS, Harry Volkman came to Chicago in 1959 and joined WMAQ-TV where alongside anchor Floyd Kalber he dominated the 10 p.m. news ratings for years; and
WHEREAS, A three-time Emmy winner whose career spanned more than 50 years, Harry Volkman went on to work at WGN-TV, WBBM-TV and WFLD-TV; and
WHEREAS, Known for wearing his trademark boutonniere, often received as a gift on his countless trips to area schools, Harry Volkman exuded both a folksy style and wit that brought the science of weather to life for his many viewers; and
WHEREAS, Following a highly distinguished broadcast career during which he became a household name, Harry Volkman officially retired in 2004 from the FOX station, flanked by his fellow newscasters who wore boutonnieres in his honor; and
WHEREAS, In 2011 Harry Volkman released a self-published memoir entitled "Whatever the Weather: My Life & Times as a TV Weatherman" written with author Peter Schroeder; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of Harry Volkman serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, His love of life and ability to live it to the fullest endeared Harry Volkman 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, Harry Volkman 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, Harry Volkman 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 twenty-fourth day of September 2015, do hereby commemorate Harry Volkman 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 Harry VoiKman.
Aldermaft- 14th Ward