SR1189 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1189 LRB101 15696 MST 65051 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Robert Earl "Bob" Trotter, who passed away on November 21, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Bob Trotter was born on November 30, 1955; he contracted polio at nine months but never let that stop him; he graduated from Spaulding High School and from the University of Illinois, where he received his bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation and starred for the Gizz Kids as a forward all four years; he received his varsity letter in 1978; he went on to earn a master's degree in occupational therapy; and

WHEREAS, Bob Trotter began working for the Therapeutic Recreation Department at Oak Forest Hospital of Cook County; after a few years, he moved into a similar position at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC), where he developed its wheelchair sports program; he developed the city's first youth wheelchair basketball team, the RIC Dawgs, and the first tournaments for youth in the mid-1980s; he was instrumental in the development of the Inaugural Junior National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament in Munster, Indiana in 1993; and

WHEREAS, Bob Trotter's post-collegiate playing career spanned over 15 years with the Chicago Pacemakers; the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Morning Defender followed his games and named him athlete of the year; and

WHEREAS, Bob Trotter was the father of wheelchair basketball in Chicago and the State of Illinois and a great friend of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA); his efforts in developing opportunities for youth with disabilities laid the foundation for the NWBA Junior Division; because of his efforts, many alumni of his program earned a college degree and went on to rewarding careers; he was inducted into the NWBA Intercollegiate Division Hall of Fame in 2003; he was a gregarious, giving person and used his personal charm, wit, and humor to overcome any obstacle when it came to ensuring that inner-city kids and young adults would have the opportunity to play wheelchair basketball; from 1982 to 2002, everyone in Chicago who played or coached wheelchair basketball was touched in some positive way by his presence; and

WHEREAS, Bob Trotter was affectionately known as "Uncle Bobby"; he enjoyed camping, sports, and a libation now and then; he was baptized at the Soul Reviving Church and joined the Sweet Holy Spirit Church in 1982; and

WHEREAS, Bob Trotter was preceded in death by his nephew, Allen Willis II; and

WHEREAS, Bob Trotter is survived by his sister, Constance; his brothers, Pastor Ronald (Marilyn) and Bishop Larry D. Trotter; his cousin, Arthur; his adopted sisters, Dianne Clemmons and Gloria Robinson; his aunt, Ada Brown; and his nephews and nieces, Latrice Inez, Laurice Deymein, Javon Denen, Antwan, Brandi Lavcretia, Larry D. Trotter II, Jolie, Joie, Robbin (Tremaine) Nicole, Jaliel, Tianna, Philip, and Tiashawn; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Robert Earl "Bob" Trotter and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Bob Trotter as an expression of our deepest sympathy.