MEMORIAL RESOLUTION FOR WILLIAM H. "BILL" ERICKSON
WHEREAS, It is with great sadness that members of this Chamber learned of the death of William H. "Bill" Erickson on October 5, 2018 at the age of 78; and
WHEREAS, The City Council has been informed of his passing by The Honorable Margaret Laurino, Alderman of the 39th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Born on November 22, 1939 in Chicago, Illinois, Bill grew up in the Rogers Park neighborhood surrounded by farmland. This is where his love of the outdoors and horses began with its stables and bridle paths nearby; and
WHEREAS, Bill attended Amundsen High School where he played and excelled in the sport of football and continued playing while attending the University of Illinois. Bill joined the Chicago Police Department where he served 31 years, many as a Detective; and
WHEREAS, Bill met and married Jan Boekenhauer, and they were blessed with two wonderful daughters, Kristin and Karin. He later married Diana Sobczak with whom he had two sons, Neil and Michael. They resided in the Logan Square neighborhood until his retirement; and
WHEREAS, Bill, Diana and his two sons relocated to Rifle, Colorado in 1991 where he lived for 26 years. He enjoyed working in the field growing the hay for his five horses. His ease with striking conversations with just about anyone allowed him to make many friends in their new town. He was also able to spend a great deal of time horseback riding, hiking, and snowshoeing in the surrounding mountains; and
WHEREAS, Over the past few years Bill's health declined and with the support from his family he endured dementia and cancer. During this time, some of his key traits including his skilled storytelling and his fierce independence, had ceased. In 2017, Bill moved back to Chicago and was able to be near his children and grandchildren, Simmone, Dayao, Joseph, and Joshua; and
WHEREAS, Bill leaves to cherish his memory: his adoring wife Diana; four wonderful children, and four precious grandchildren, extended family and treasured friends. He will be deeply missed, but the remembrance of his genuine character, vast intelligence and deep compassion will live on in those who knew and loved him; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this thirty-first day of October, 2018, do hereby extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of William H. "Bill" Erickson; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of William H. "Bill" Erickson as a sign of our honor, gratitude, and respect.
