Record #: R2018-1177   
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Intro date: 10/31/2018 Current Controlling Legislative Body:
Final action: 10/31/2018
Title: Tribute to late Warner Saunders
Sponsors: Burke, Edward M.
Attachments: 1. R2018-1177.pdf

RESOLUTION

 

 

WHEREAS, Warner Saunders has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 83; and

 

WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and

 

WHEREAS, A towering and widely beloved figure in Chicago's broadcast industry, Warner Saunders was the loving husband of Sadako; and

 

WHEREAS, Warner Saunders was the much-adored father of Warner Saunders, Jr., to whom he imparted many of the fine and noble qualities that he possessed in abundance; and

 

WHEREAS, A former teacher who worked at night as a CTA bus driver, Warner Saunders took an unconventional path to become one of the top broadcasters in Chicago; and

 

WHEREAS, Warner Saunders' work as a West Side community activist landed him a job as the head of the Community Affairs Department at WBBM-Channel 2 where he hosted the station's "Common Ground" program; and

 

WHEREAS, A trusted anchor for WMAQ-Television for nearly 30 years, Warner Saunders was the recipient of 20 Emmys for his coverage of news, sports and documentaries; and

 

WHEREAS, Warner Saunders was actively involved in the National Association of Black Journalists and efforts to promote diversity in journalism; and

 

WHEREAS, Outside of his professional life, Warner Saunders supported philanthropic causes that included Gilda's Club, the American Cancer Society and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; and

 

WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of Warner Saunders serve as an example to all; and

 

WHEREAS, His love of life and ability to live it to the fullest endeared Warner Saunders 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, Warner Saunders 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, Warner Saunders 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 thirty-first day of October, 2018, do hereby commemorate Warner Saunders 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 Warner Saunders.