HR0718 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0718 LRB100 16061 ALS 31277 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Timothy Bradford, who passed away on December 1, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Tim Bradford came from humble beginnings; a native of Chicago, he graduated from Crane High School, where he was an athlete; his family instilled in him a tenacious work ethic; and

WHEREAS, Tim Bradford began his professional journey at Quaker Oats in a managerial position, where he stayed for 25 years; he later established himself as an entrepreneur with an interest in a Miller Beer Distributorship in St. Louis, Missouri; he also owned Docks Fish, a popular food franchise; his success in the field of sales and marketing forged his path as a dedicated leader in the south suburban political community and the Democratic Party; and

WHEREAS, Tim Bradford wanted to change the social and political landscape of the South Suburbs; he was first elected Township Committeeman in 2002, and he rose through the ranks to become the first Vice Chairman of the Cook County Democratic Party; he also served as Administrator at Rich Township; and

WHEREAS, Tim Bradford was elected to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board of Commissioners in 2014 and served as Chairman of the Ethics and Federal Legislation Committees; he was also the Vice Chairman of the Maintenance and Operations and Monitoring and Research Committees; and

WHEREAS, Tim Bradford volunteered on the boards of numerous civic and business organizations, including the Rich High School District 227 Advisory Board, the Great Lakes Bank Advisory Board in Matteson, and was the President of the Matteson Rotary International Club; he also coached youth basketball for many years; and

WHEREAS, Tim Bradford served 30 years as an elected member of the Olympia Fields Park District Board and served three terms as president; he received many awards, including the Eagle Award for 30 years of service to the Olympia Fields Park District, the Hero's Award from the Village of Olympia Fields, and the Diversity Award from DiversityInc; the Matteson Business Association honored him for becoming an elected official; his accomplishments included fighting racial steering, developing affirmative marketing ordinances, helping local government and community-based organizations, encouraging people to run for office, and promoting racial ethnic and gender inclusiveness; and

WHEREAS, Tim Bradford was preceded in death by his son, Shance; and

WHEREAS, Tim Bradford is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, Mary Ann; his children, Cherise, Corey, and Ty; and his grandchildren, Bryce, Blaine, Chase, Ryder, Blake, Aiden, Talon, and Nya; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Timothy Bradford and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Tim Bradford as an expression of our deepest sympathy.