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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE OF BYRON HARDWICK WILSON
WHEREAS, Byron Wilson represented the best qualities of citizenship and service. When he died at the age of 98, on October 24th he left behind a family, countless friends and a community enriched for having known him; and
WHEREAS, Byron Wilson was born March 15, 1919 in Huntsville Alabama. He moved to Evanston in in 1930 and graduated from Evanston Township High School in 1938; and
WHEREAS, Byron Wilson served his country in the United States Army where he became a drill instructor. He served in Europe during World War II and later in life he retraced the places where he had served in Europe and developed a fondness for world travel. He was also a member of the Evanston Traveling Football Club; and
WHEREAS, Byron Wilson will long be remembered for his success in business. He owned and operated a successful dry cleaning business and was the night manager at Murphy’s Liquors in Skokie. After retiring briefly, he returned to work part-time at Schaefer’s Fine Foods and Spirits, a longtime fixture on the North Shore where he became well known for his beer tasting events. He was also a popular bartender who freelanced with Ratzer’s catering; and
WHEREAS, Byron Wilson freely and generously gave of his time to his community. He was a life member of both the Evanston American Legion Post 42 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7186 where he served as a commander. He was a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Evanston North Shore Branch. He was and a founder of the Norshore 12, social and civic club and served on the Evanston Liquor Control Board; and
WHEREAS, Byron Wilson’s unfailing loyalty and his great generosity of spirit won him the affection and respect of the community. He was a role model and a mentor to many; he will be deeply missed; and
WHEREAS, Byron Wilson will be deeply missed by his son Dudley Fair (Marie) , his daughter Gail and her husband Nimr Hassan, grandsons Michael and David Fair, Jordan (Jennifer) and Malcolm Ingram, one great grandson Saffir and one great granddaughter Sarai as well as countless friends; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners of Cook County, on behalf of the 5.2 million residents of Cook County commemorates the extraordinary life and accomplishments of Byron Wilson, and herewith expresses its sincere gratitude for the invaluable contributions he has made to the Citizens of Cook County, Illinois; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this text be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and a suitable copy of same be tendered to the family of Byron Wilson, that his memory may be so honored.end