RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Forrest Bird has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 94; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, A resident of Sagle, Idaho, Forrest Bird was a renowned inventor and the loving husband of Pamela; and
WHEREAS, Forrest Bird invented the first low-cost, reliable medical respirator in the 1950s and designed the "Babybird" respirator in the 1970s that was credited with reducing infant mortality; and
WHEREAS, With encouragement from his father, a World War I pilot, Forrest Bird studied aviation as a teenager and made his first solo flight at 14; and
WHEREAS, Forrest Bird served his country during World War II as a member of the United States Army Air Corps; and
WHEREAS, During his military service, Forrest Bird was assigned to improve respirators used by pilots flying in high altitudes; and
WHEREAS, Forrest Bird ultimately produced the Bird Mark 7 respirator for pilots which earned a reputation for its efficiency because it was easy to maintain and repair; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his remarkable work which saved countless lives, Forrest Bird was awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal from President George W. Bush in 2008; and
WHEREAS, Forrest Bird was awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation by President Barack Obama in 2009; and
WHEREAS, The inventive spirit, achievements and dedication of Forrest Bird serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, Forrest Bird 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, Forrest Bird 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-fourth day of September 2015, do hereby commemorate Forrest Bird for his grace-filled life and do he...
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