HR0254 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0254 LRB103 31713 MST 60286 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Edward George Gardner of Chicago, who passed away on March 20, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Edward Gardner was born to Frank and Eva Gardner in the West Chesterfield neighborhood of Chicago on February 15, 1925; he attended Fenger High School; he served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II; he received his Bachelor of Arts from Chicago Teachers College, known today as Chicago State University; he earned his Master of Arts from the University of Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Edward Gardner was regarded as a Chicago titan of business and philanthropy; in 1964, he and his wife, Bettiann, founded the hair care company Soft Sheen Products, Inc.; they developed the business into a multimillion-dollar enterprise, employing more than 400 people and exporting products to Canada, the Caribbean, and West Africa; and

WHEREAS, Edward Gardner utilized Soft Sheen Products, Inc.'s advertising and communication resources and leveraged a $300,000 fundraising effort and staff to mount a campaign that registered more than 200,000 voters 40 years ago, which was instrumental in the 1983 election of Chicago's first Black mayor, the late Harold Washington; and

WHEREAS, Edward Gardner was also known for his dedication to the arts; he and his wife spearheaded the development of the New Regal Theater located at 1641 East 79th Street in Chicago, which hosted acts ranging from Gladys Knight to Tyler Perry during its years in operation; and

WHEREAS, Edward Gardner remained committed to his community throughout his life; at the age of 87, he led a march of over 1,000 people to protest the lack of Black workers on a major construction site on Chicago's South Side in 2012; and

WHEREAS, Edward Gardner was a co-owner of the Chicago Bulls and a founding member of the anti-violence nonprofit Black On Black Love; he was also a board member of Chicago United and The Chicago Urban League; and

WHEREAS, Edward Gardner was known for engaging others with humanity and humility; he will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his community, and the City of Chicago; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Edward George Gardner 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 Edward Gardner as an expression of our deepest sympathy.