RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Michael J. Birck has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 77; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, Michael J. Birck was a widely admired member of the business community and the loving husband of Katherine, nee Royer; and
WHEREAS, Michael J. Birck was the much-adored father of Kevin, Joni and Christopher and the grandfather of seven to whom he imparted many of the fine and noble qualities that he possessed in abundance; and
WHEREAS, Michael J. Birck was the dear brother of Barbara, Patrick, Jon and Vicki; and
WHEREAS, Raised in Clinton, Indiana, Michael J. Birck graduated from Purdue University and earned a master's degree in electrical engineering from New York University; and
WHEREAS, Michael J. Birck co-founded Tellabs, the Naperville-based technology giant, in 1975 with five associates during a brainstorming session at his kitchen table; and
WHEREAS, A superb engineer and manager who thrived on his passion for technology, Michael J. Birck served as Chief Executive Officer of the company until 2004; and
WHEREAS, Following a long and highly successful career, Michael J. Birck became Chairman Emeritus of Tellabs in 2013; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his many outstanding accomplishments, Michael J. Birck was inducted into the Chicago Business Hall of Fame in 1998 and received the Chicago Area Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999; and
WHEREAS, Michael J. Birck was a prominent philanthropist who gave generously to Purdue University, Benedictine University, Loyola University and Hinsdale Hospital; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of Michael J. Birck serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, His love of life and ability to live it to the fullest endeared Michael J. Birck 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, Michael J. Birck will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his many relatives, friends and admirers; and
WHEREAS, To his beloved family, Michael J. Birck 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-ninth day of July, 2015, do hereby commemorate Michael J. Birck 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 Michael J. Birck.
Iderman - 14th Ward