Record #: R2014-661   
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Intro date: 9/10/2014 Current Controlling Legislative Body:
Final action: 9/10/2014
Title: Tribute to late Jon Erickson
Sponsors: Burke, Edward M.
Attachments: 1. R2014-661.pdf
RESOLUTION
 
 
WHEREAS, Jon Erikson has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 59; and
 
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
 
WHEREAS, A resident of Boca Raton, Florida, Jon Erickson was a world class open-water swimmer and the loving husband of Debra; and
 
WHEREAS, Jon Erikson was the much-adored father of Blake and Trent, the devoted son of Loretta and the dear brother of Pam; and
 
WHEREAS, Jon Erikson took his first swimming lessons at the Chicago Park District's Ridge Pool in the Beverly neighborhood; and
 
WHEREAS, Jon Erikson's father, Ted, set a world record in 1965 by swimming the English Channel twice in 30 hours and three minutes; and
 
WHEREAS, Following in his father's wake, Jon Erikson also set global records as a marathon open-water swimmer; and
 
WHEREAS, Jon Erikson first swam the English Channel at 14 years old, becoming the youngest boy to complete a channel crossing, and then set a record swimming from Chicago to Michigan City, Indiana; and
 
WHEREAS, Jon Erikson later became the first man to complete three consecutive crossings of the English Channel; and
 
WHEREAS, Jon Erikson also finished marathon swims in Canada, Mexico and Argentina; and
 
WHEREAS, Jon Erikson, who worked in the pharmaceutical industry, was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and
 
WHEREAS, The hard work, talent and dedication of Jon Erikson serve as an example to all; and
 
WHEREAS, His love of life and ability to live it to the fullest endeared Jon Erikson 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, Jon Erikson will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his many relatives, friends and admirers; and
 
WHEREAS, To his beloved family, Jon Erikson 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 tenth day of September, 2014 do hereby commemorate Jon Erikson 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 Jon Erikson.