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90_SR0026
LRB9003127CBcbA
1 SENATE RESOLUTION
2 WHEREAS, The members of the Senate were saddened to learn
3 of the recent death of Mr. Henry G. Fort of Chicago; and
4 WHEREAS, Henry Fort was born in Chicago on January 28,
5 1916; he graduated from LeMoyne Elementary and Lane Technical
6 Schools; he married his high school sweetheart, Cathryn
7 Wimby, in 1936, and they were the proud and loving parents of
8 Elizabeth and Judith; and
9 WHEREAS, Henry Fort displayed musical talent at an early
10 age; his memories and experiences created a legacy enjoyed by
11 his family and included his career as a member of the
12 original Nat "King" Cole Trio and the "Shuffle Along Revue";
13 and
14 WHEREAS, A man with strong feelings for family, Mr. Fort
15 placed his music career behind him because of the travelling
16 involved and became a realtor; and
17 WHEREAS, Henry Fort was very active in his community; he
18 was a member of many service organizations and advisory
19 boards, including the Chicago Urban League, the NAACP, and
20 the Prince Hall Masonic Fraternity; and
21 WHEREAS, He was Past Master of Harmony Lodge #88 of
22 Chicago; Past Patron of Pride of Harmony #144; Head of the
23 Order of Junior Craftsmen; Past Eminent Commander of St.
24 George Commander #5, Knights Templar; Past Advisor of George
25 F. Hennigan Guild #25, Heroines Templar Crusades; Past Grand
26 Most Worthy Joshua of the Most Ancient Prince Hall Grand
27 Court; Past Potentate of Arabic Temple #44; Past Imperial
28 Deputy of Shriners; Honorary Past Imperial Potentate of
29 A.E.A.O.N.M.S.; and the Senior Sovereign Grand Inspector
30 General (Emeritus) of the United Supreme Council of the
31 A.A.S.D.P.H.A.; he was also a member of Tyre Chapter #25,
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1 Holy Royal Arch; and
2 WHEREAS, Mr. Fort was named First Mason of the Year in
3 1957 for his work with the Junior Craftsmen and served as
4 Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince
5 Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons in 1964-1965; and
6 WHEREAS, Henry Fort filled the role of patriarch in his
7 family; his wise counsel and advice had a great influence on
8 all; the lessons he taught and the memories he leaves will
9 long be remembered; and
10 WHEREAS, A warm and friendly person, Henry Fort's dynamic
11 personality endeared him to all; he will be deeply missed by
12 his family and countless friends, especially his daughters,
13 Elizabeth and Judith; his grandchildren, Gary and Tracy Clark
14 and Christina BeDell; his son-in-law, Claude BeDell; his
15 grandson-in-law, Demetrius BeDell; his cousin, Senator
16 Margaret Fort Smith; and all the members of his family;
17 therefore, be it
18 RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETIETH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
19 OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we note with sorrow and regret
20 the death of Mr. Henry G. Fort and extend our sincere
21 condolences to his family and friends; and be it further
22 RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be
23 presented to the daughters of Mr. Henry G. Fort.
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