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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. ALAN G. SHEPARD
WHEREAS, Dr. Alan G. Shepard was born on March 31, 1962, in Detroit, Michigan, and passed away surrounded by his family on January 7, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Shepard was a beloved husband of 36 years to Debbie Shepard and a loving father to Matthew and Rebecca Shepard, and was cherished by his family, friends, colleagues, patients, and students; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Shepard was widely regarded as a preeminent general neurologist throughout the Chicagoland area, dedicating more than three decades to the practice of medicine and to caring for the health and well-being of his patients; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Shepard attended Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine and completed his neurology training in 1992 at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, followed by a fellowship in neurophysiology at Rush University Medical Center; and
WHEREAS, throughout his 32-year career, Dr. Shepard never refused a request to see a patient, no matter how busy he was, and he cared for countless individuals with compassion, dignity, and unwavering dedication; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Shepard was deeply committed to medical education and mentorship, teaching and guiding hundreds of medical students and residents throughout his career, and in recognition of his dedication to teaching he received the Nicholas Vick Teaching Award in 2021; and
WHEREAS, upon the conclusion of his distinguished career, Dr. Shepard received the Neurology Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his lifetime of service to his patients and the medical profession; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Shepard was beloved by his staff and respected by his colleagues, and since his passing many patients, friends, and fellow physicians have shared heartfelt tributes reflecting on his kindness, generosity, and profound impact on their lives; and
WHEREAS, beyond his medical career, Dr. Shepard had a lifelong passion for music, dating back to his high school band, and he enjoyed playing guitar, performing at local open mic events, and listening to Delta blues legends including Big Bill Broonzy, Howlin' Wolf, and Muddy Waters; and
WHEREAS, he took great pride in his children, a Public Defender and a philanthropy professional, and in the life he built with his family; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Shepard’s warmth, humor, and generosity touched the lives of all who knew him; and his legacy lives on through the countless patients he cared for, the students he mentored, the colleagues he inspired, and the family who loved him dearly; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Cook County Board of Commissioners honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Alan G. Shepard; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Dr. Alan G. Shepard as a symbol of our respect, admiration, and heartfelt condolences...end