In Commemoration of John Cheever
WHEREAS, In recognition of Brain Cancer Month in the month of May, we honor John Cheever for his relationships and contributions to the bicycle industry and community.
WHEREAS, John passed away on March 9, 2014, at age 51, after a three year battle with brain cancer. His wife, Janice, was at his side at their home in Florida when he passed away.
WHEREAS, John Cheever is known for his major contributions for 25 years at SRAM, a Chicago-based global leader in bicycle manufacturing and components. John joined SRAM as an engineer in 1989 after the introduction of their first Grip Shift that uses indexing technology to shift bicycle gears. John was 25 years old, a natural entrepreneur and a perfect fit to the up and coming company.
WHEREAS, SRAM was established in 1987 and headquartered in Chicago and continues to operate here as well as in the Netherlands and Taiwan. SRAM is known around the world, not only for their quality bike parts, but also for their social contributions. These programs include providing over 100,000 bicycles to empower students, healthcare workers, and entrepreneurs in areas of need as well as raising funds to improve cycling infrastructure.
WHEREAS, John was an inventor and design engineer, and responsible for many ofthe technologies that drove the advancement and growth of Grip Shift technology in the bicycle industry. He co-developed the first ESP derailleurs featuring 1:1 cable pull technology. He introduced computer aided design to SRAM and was responsible for launching the first seat of Pro-Engineering in 1993. John was either directly responsible for or has contributed significantly to a long list of SRAM patents throughout his time with the company.
WHEREAS, John ultimately became SRAM's first Director of Engineering and later became the Director of Advanced Component Design, leading that group for five years before becoming Director of Patents and Technology 2004. One of John's most notable attributes as a Senior Manager at SRAM was his willingness to question the status quo.
WHEREAS, In addition to his important contributions to the company, John was a great friend to many. He and his wife, Janice, were high school sweethearts and were married in 1989. They enjoyed everything that Chicago had to offer, moving to Bucktown in the 32nd Ward with their beloved canine friend, Sir Winston. John and Janice were warm and generous hosts to all friends and family. They loved music and especially the diverse music scene in Chicago.
WHEREAS, John was an accomplished musician and singer, and worked with band mates he met in high school, they played together for 25 years at parties and small clubs around Chicago.
WHEREAS, John leaves behind a great legacy at SRAM, but more importantly a world of admiring friends and family.
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the members ofthe Chicago City Council, and the Mayor, assembled this 28th day of May, 2014 do hereby commemorate the life of John Cheever, and do hereby express our sincerest condolences to his family, friends, and neighbors; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of John Cheever.
