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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF MICHAEL LAMBERT IGOE II
WHEREAS, Michael Lambert Igoe, II was born on April 24, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois; and
WHEREAS, Michael attended St. Thomas the Apostle Elementary School in his Hyde Park neighborhood, and Canterbury School in New Milford, Connecticut, and graduated from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., with a degree in economics; and
WHEREAS, Michael Lambert Igoe, II and Helen Douaire were married upon his graduation from Georgetown, beginning their married life at Sandia Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico as Michael served in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954; and
WHEREAS, upon completion of his military service the couple returned to Chicago, where Michael entered and graduated from the University of Chicago Law School in 1956; and
WHEREAS, Michael carried on a commitment to government and involvement in Democratic politics learned from his parents and maternal grandparents, volunteering as a Chicago precinct captain and serving on the Zoning Board of Appeals; and
WHEREAS, Michael served as Secretary to the Cook County Board of Commissioners for 29 years, under Cook County Board Presidents John Duffy, Seymour Simon, Richard Ogilvie and George Dunne, putting into practice his belief that government could benefit the lives of citizens when administered with fiduciary discipline, consistent fidelity and good will; and
WHEREAS, Michael’s career at Cook County spanned an era of major change, including the institution of Home Rule pursuant to the 1970 Illinois Constitution and the 1964 constitutional amendment consolidating Illinois court systems that reorganized the 161 courts operating in Cook County into the Circuit Court of Cook County; and
WHEREAS, Michael implemented many of these changes, preparing ordinances to implement Home Rule revenue measures, and modernizing County facilities to facilitate efficient government operations;
WHEREAS, Michael made major contributions to the efficient operation of Cook County Government, including leading the effort to construct four new suburban courthouses to facilitate the efficient operation of the new consolidated Circuit Court of Cook County, and the renovation of the antiquated offices at the Cook County Building at 118 N. Clark to better serve the public, among many other initiatives and improvements; and
WHEREAS, even after retiring from Cook County, Michael devoted substantial time and intellect to advising later administrations, offering an enormous store of institutional memory and understanding of the functioning of that complicated organization with numerous stakeholders and independent officials; and
WHEREAS, in addition to his service to Cook County, Michael devoted his attentions to a private legal practice at Vedder Price until 2013, serving as general counsel to many corporate clients, and representing other governmental clients; and
WHEREAS, Michael dedicated his time and intellect throughout his life to numerous boards and committees, serving as a board member of the Hyde Park - Kenwood Community Conservation Council, the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club and the Southeast Chicago Commission; the Jesse White Scholars Foundation; and the Catholic Theological Union; and
WHEREAS, Michael was a 50-year subscriber to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, where he spent many Friday afternoons in his favorite lower balcony seat, and which he served as a CSO Governing Member, and was an active fundraiser; and
WHEREAS, Michael was a longtime advocate for conservation, serving on the board of the Lakeland Conservancy and donating to other conservation efforts, and enjoyed nature and the outdoors at his property in Wisconsin and sailing on Lake Michigan; and
WHEREAS, Michael loved sailing, crewing in his youth, becoming a sailing team leader at Georgetown, and later mooring his Pearson 36 sailboat at Burnham Harbor for 37 years, cruising Lake Michigan on summer weekends with Helen, entertaining guest crew members with lively conversation about topics ranging from politics, policy, the environment and city skyline changes;
WHEREAS, Michael was the devoted husband of 67 years to Helen, incredibly dedicated father to five children: Michael L. Igoe III, William D. (Kathryn) Igoe, Kevin P. Igoe, Sheila M. Igoe (Brian Grant) and Ruth E. Igoe; and caring grandfather to seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Michael was a raconteur par excellence, and a man who was interested in everyone and everything, with such capacity for caring that in addition to his commitments to service and to his family, he made time for many friends and colleagues, extending help and support, mentoring, and enjoying a good laugh; and
WHEREAS, Michael passed away peacefully on Sunday January 9, 2022, with loving family at his side;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the residents of Cook County, hereby honor Michael’s life and in particular his contributions to Cook County Government, and offer their deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathy to the family of Michael Lambert Igoe, II; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be tendered to the family of Michael Lambert Igoe, II.
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