RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Peer Pedersen has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 87; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, Peer Pedersen was the loving and devoted husband of the late Sarah; and
WHEREAS, Peer Pedersen was the much-adored father of Leslie, Peer, Kristen, Mia and Erik, and the beloved grandfather of ten to whom he imparted many of the fine and noble qualities that he possessed in abundance; and
WHEREAS, A native of Chicago's Austin neighborhood, Peer Pedersen overcame a challenging childhood to become a successful lawyer, visionary businessman, and generous philanthropist; and
WHEREAS, Founder and Chairman of Pedersen & Houpt, and one of the founders of Waste Management, Inc., Peer Pedersen was an inspirational mentor to many and enjoyed a well-deserved reputation for excellence in law and business; and
WHEREAS, President of the Robert R. McCormick unit of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago, Peer Pedersen had a lifelong dedication to helping young people grow, succeed and thrive both as individuals and professionals; and
WHEREAS, Peer Pedersen also gave his support to the Lyric Opera, the University of Illinois Law School, Children's Memorial Hospital, the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and many other worthy causes; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of Peer Pedersen serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, His love of life and ability to live it to the fullest endeared Peer Pedersen 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, To his beloved family, Peer Pedersen 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 thirteenth day of February, 2013, do hereby commemorate Peer Pedersen 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 Peer Pedersen.