MEMORIAL RESOLUTION FOR COACH LEWIS STEVEN THORPE JR.
WHEREAS, It IS with great sadness that the members of this chamber learned of ihc death of Coach Lewis Steven Thorpe Jr. on October 25, 2018, at the age of fifrv-six; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing bv the Honorable Michael Scott Jr., Alderman of the 24lh Ward; and
WHEREAS, Coach Thorpe attended Kendall College in Evanston, IL, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management. After graduating from college, he found employment as a cable salesman, winning the company's most esteemed award, Salesman ofthe Year; and
WHEREAS, While he exceeded in his occupational endeavors, basketball was alwavs his passion. Lewis began his coaching career in 1987. He served as a coach, teacher, and a mentor for over 30 years to thousands ot youth in the city of Chicago. Lewis coached ai Cregier, Hales Franciscan, his alma mater Providence St. Mel, St. .Gregory, Chicago International Charter School and St. Ambrose. He eventually landed the head coaching position at newly founded North Lawndale College Prep Charter High School (NLCP) in 2000; and
WHEREAS, During his eighteen years of Coaching and Teaching at NLCP, Lewi's has won a State Championship, State Runner Up, 3rd Place in State, a City Championship, and several Regional, Sectional, and Conference Championships. Lewis served as Dean of Students and was honored with 11 Teacher of the Year Awards by NLCP students an honor not equaled in the 20-year history of NLCP; and
WHEREAS, Coach Thorpe was esteemed by his peers. He. was named Coach of the Year 15 times by his fellow coaches became the first Coach to win both, Coach of the Year for the Chicago Public School Basketball League, and the Illinois High School Basketball Association simultaneously. In 1998 Lewis had created and operated the Thorpe's Real Deal Basketball Tournaments; and
WHEREAS, Lewis enjoyed martial arts films, going to the movies, arid binge watching his favorite TV shows with his family. He also enjoyed studying the Bible, and doing volunteer work at the church he attended, Perfect Peace Baptist Church; and
WHEREAS, Lewis leaves to cherish his memory, Pat, his adoring wife of 28 years and his five wonderful children, Kconc, Stephen, Brandon, Jada and Jalen, extended family and treasured friends; and
WHEREAS, He touched the lives of many, with his kindness, generosity and vivacious spirit. Lewis was a true leader, and an exceptional mentor, instilling confidence in all those he worked with. While he will be deeply missed, but the memory of his character 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 seventh day of November, 2018, do hereby extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Lewis Steven Thorpe |r.; and