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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. TERRY GARLAND, BELOVED ELECTRICIAN AT JOHN H. STROGER, JR. HOSPITAL OF COOK COUNTY (1957-2025)
WHEREAS, the Members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, together with President Toni Preckwinkle, wish to honor and memorialize the extraordinary life and service of Mr. Terry Garland, who departed this life on June 29, 2025, at the age of 67, and
WHEREAS, , Mr. Garland was born on July 31, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois, to Donna Garland, who owned a cleaning business, and Walter Garland, a proud electrician and long-standing member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 134, a union to which Terry himself would dedicate 43 faithful years of membership, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Garland overcame rheumatic fever in his youth, enduring a lengthy five month stay at La Rabida Children’s Hospital. This formative experience instilled in him a deep empathy for children facing medical hardships, and a belief that small acts of kindness, such as fixing a toy, a video game, or a television, could bring immeasurable comfort to young patients, and
WHEREAS, beginning his career at the historic Cook County Hospital and later serving as Head Electrician at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital, Mr. Garland devoted nearly 30 years to ensuring the safety, functionality, and resilience of the County’s largest public hospital system. He retired in 2022, leaving a legacy of excellence, selflessness, and professionalism that cannot be overstated, and
WHEREAS, his expertise extended far beyond technical skill. Colleagues and physicians often referred to him as a “knight in shining armor” for his unwavering readiness to respond, whether repairing malfunctioning call buttons, securing backup generators, or ensuring that Board of Commissioners’ meetings were accessible to the public through reliable technical systems, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Garland was admired not only as a consummate professional, but also as a compassionate and generous colleague. His shop became a place of laughter, camaraderie, and fellowship. Known for his playful humor, whether ringing a hallway bell like a high school dismissal chime, or searching through dumpsters to help a colleague in need, he uplifted spirits and embodied the values of humility, kindness, and service, and
WHEREAS, his leadership as a union man was unwavering. A proud member of IBEW Local 134 for more than four decades, he modeled solidarity, hard work, and respect for all workers, from janitors to doctors. He also co-hosted an annual Christmas party in his shop that became a cherished tradition uniting employees across every department, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Garland was deeply devoted to his family. He shared 35 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Diane, whom he met while camping at Starved Rock. Together they built a blended family rooted in love, laughter, and perseverance. He raised Diane’s sons as his own, and delighted in the joy of six grandchildren, often found cheering them on at their sports games, and
WHEREAS, , his children, Louie Kennedy and Vince Esposito, as well as his grandchildren, remember him not only for his tireless work ethic but also for his steadfast commitment to making the lives of those around him better. His generosity of spirit extended equally to family, colleagues, patients, and friends, and
WHEREAS, , Mr. Garland’s life was a shining example of public service, labor pride, and personal humility. He embodied the essence of what it means to serve both one’s profession and one’s community with heart, humor, and humanity,
NOW, THEREFORE, WE, BILL LOWRY, COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF THE 3rd DISTRICT, ALMA E. ANAYA, COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF THE 7th DISTRICT, AND TONI PRECKWINKLE, PRESIDENT OF THE COOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, do hereby honor the remarkable life and service of Mr. Terry Garland, express profound condolences to his wife Diane, his sons, his grandchildren, his extended family, and the countless colleagues and friends who will carry forward his legacy of kindness, loyalty, and dedication, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be spread upon the official proceedings of this Board and that a suitable copy be presented to the family of Mr. Terry Garland as a tribute to his memory and as a gesture of deepest sympathy and respect from the people of Cook County. Office of Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry 3rd. District. Dated this ______ day of ______.
Sincerely,
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