MEMORIAL RESOLUTION CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF BENJAMIN SQUIRES
WHEREAS, Benjamin Mark Squires, devoted public health advocate, avid runner, and beloved member ofthe Lincoln Park Community passed away on April 21, 2021, at the age of 95; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of Benjamin's passing by the Honorable Michele Smith, Alderman of the 43rd Ward; and
WHEREAS, Born on the Southside of Chicago in 1925, Benjamin was the oldest of four siblings; he grew up in the South Shore neighborhood before moving with his family to Evanston; and
WHEREAS, After serving as a tail gunner in World War II with multiple combat missions over Germany, Ben returned home where he graduated from Northwestern University and entered the workforce; and
WHEREAS, In his early days, Ben worked as a teacher and as a business consultant, but found his calling when he went to work for the State of Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH); he spent more than 20 years working for IDPH on various initiatives and developed a real passion for leading infant mortality reduction programs in Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Ben was devoted to his work as a public health advocate, and served on the board of the Health and Medicine Policy Research Group for many years; and
WHEREAS, When Ben was not working, he was running; he was a founding member of the Lincoln Park Pacers running club in 1984 - the first of its kind in Chicago; he ran countless marathons and ultra-marathons, setting a record in his age group after running 93 miles in 24 hours; the Chicago Marathon became a staple for him, and when he could no longer run, he was in the front row at Clark and Fullerton cheering on the runners; and
WHEREAS, Ben loved home improvement projects, camping, canoeing, playing boogie woogie on the piano, picnicking at Diversey Harbor, and connecting with young people; and
WHEREAS, Ben and his late wife Susan were friendly and social; they loved to throw parties, enjoyed a good gin and tonic, and always o...
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