RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Harry Volkman has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 89; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, A longtime resident of Itasca, Harry Volkman was a legendary Chicago television meteorologist and the loving husband of Alana; and
WHEREAS, Harry Volkman was the much-adored father of Eddie, Ron, Jerry and Charlotte, the grandfather of ten and the great-grandfather of three to whom he imparted many of the fine and noble qualities that he possessed in abundance; and
WHEREAS, Harry Volkman graduated from Tufts University and studied meteorology at Tulsa University before beginning his career at KOTV-TV in Tulsa in 1950; and
WHEREAS, While working at WKY-TV in Oklahoma City in 1952, Harry Volkman was the first weatherman in the nation to issue a "tornado alert" during a live broadcast; and
WHEREAS, Harry Volkman came to Chicago in 1959 and joined WMAQ-TV where alongside anchor Floyd Kalber he dominated the 10 p.m. news ratings for years; and
WHEREAS, A three-time Emmy winner whose career spanned more than 50 years, Harry Volkman went on to work at WGN-TV, WBBM-TV and WFLD-TV; and
WHEREAS, Known for wearing his trademark boutonniere, often received as a gift on his countless trips to area schools, Harry Volkman exuded both a folksy style and wit that brought the science of weather to life for his many viewers; and
WHEREAS, Following a highly distinguished broadcast career during which he became a household name, Harry Volkman officially retired in 2004 from the FOX station, flanked by his fellow newscasters who wore boutonnieres in his honor; and
WHEREAS, In 2011 Harry Volkman released a self-published memoir entitled "Whatever the Weather: My Life & Times as a TV Weatherman" written with author Peter Schroeder; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of Harry Volkman serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, His love of life and ...
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