SR0794 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0794 LRB101 14931 MST 63934 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Dr. Yam Shun Tong, who passed away on September 25, 2019 at the age of 71; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Yam Shun Tong was born on December 29, 1948 in Hong Kong; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Yam Shun Tong was a longtime Oak Park resident and a Chicagoan through and through; he became a fanatic of the championship-winning 1985 Bears; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Yam Shun Tong married Cindy, a physician's assistant at Doctors on Wheels in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs; they had two children, daughter San, a social media manager for the video on demand streaming service of the TV network Hallmark Channel in Los Angeles, and son Kevin, a mechanical engineer for the leading energy consultancy in Chicago, 360 Energy Group; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Yam Shun Tong graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Illinois Chicago, a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Northwestern University, and a medical degree from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1987, making him a double doctorate; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Yam Shun Tong was the OB/GYN department chairman of PCC Wellness at West Suburban Hospital in Oak Park for over 15 years, as well as a dedicated physician for over 35 years; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Yam Shun Tong offered amazing care to expectant mothers and many patients; he had a reputation for his compassionate bedside manner and his patient-first mentality; he was known to rush into the office when a patient was presenting acutely to provide immediate care or a referral that would meet their needs; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Yam Shun Tong worked tirelessly, whether on a busy clinic day where he typically ended his days in the clinic with evening call hours for his obstetric patients or on a scheduled day off, although he considered himself to be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Yam Shun Tong was the "go-to" person for all doctors at West Suburban Medical Center because he offered personalized care while still being a role model; he was sought out for his expertise on gynecological issues, complicated cases, and uninsured patients; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Yam Shun Tong was supportive of all his colleagues and, in turn, received respect for his wisdom and expertise; he leaves a legacy that will continue in the lives he touched and the community that he called family; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Yam Shun Tong was preceded in death by his parents and four of his siblings; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Yam Shun Tong is survived by his wife, Cindy; his children, San and Kevin; and three of his siblings; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Dr. Yam Shun Tong 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 Dr. Yam Shun Tong as an expression of our deepest sympathy.