SR0523 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0523 LRB104 16604 ECR 30004 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Ronald "Ron" Bean; and

WHEREAS, Ron Bean moved to Park Forest in 1969 as he was drawn to its reputation as a community where residents of all races could live, work, and grow together; and

WHEREAS, Ron Bean quickly became an active and conscientious supporter of Park Forest, earning the trust of residents and colleagues through his thoughtful leadership and commitment to service; and

WHEREAS, Ron Bean was first elected as a trustee for the Village of Park Forest in 1974, demonstrating early his dedication to responsible governance and community progress; and

WHEREAS, Ron Bean made history when he was elected Village President of Park Forest in 1981, becoming the first African American person in Illinois to be elected to office by a predominantly white population, a significant milestone and testament to his character, integrity, and the respect he commanded; and

WHEREAS, Ron Bean was widely admired for his calm, steady, and gentlemanly leadership throughout his presidency from 1981 to 1986, particularly during times of tension or public disagreement; and

WHEREAS, Under Ron Bean's guidance, Park Forest addressed many pressing infrastructure needs, including the repair and modernization of aging water, sewer, and utility systems that required major and costly upgrades, actions vital to the long-term stability of the community; and

WHEREAS, Ron Bean also navigated significant economic challenges, including the decline of the Park Forest Plaza following development of nearby competing retail centers; despite these difficulties, he remained committed to responsible redevelopment and commercial revitalization, supporting efforts that laid the groundwork for future economic recovery; and

WHEREAS, Ron Bean championed redevelopment efforts at key village commercial centers and supported early tax increment financing strategies to spur investment, demonstrating foresight and an unwavering belief in the potential of Park Forest and the greater South Suburbs; and

WHEREAS, Ron Bean was a leader who valued culture, community, and quality of life, contributing his time and expertise to regional organizations, including the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, and supporting initiatives, including senior housing developments, such as the Garden House, and community events and festivals that strengthened civic pride; and

WHEREAS, Ron Bean's commitment to education was exceptional; he served on the Matteson School District 162 Board of Education for 31 years, including as president, and he was a founding member and president of the Southland College Prep Board of Directors; and

WHEREAS, Ron Bean was a devoted advocate for students, working tirelessly to ensure that children received the opportunities, resources, and high-quality education they deserved; his leadership shaped the academic foundation of Matteson School District 162 and Southland College Prep and positively influenced generations of young people; and

WHEREAS, Ron Bean was known for his kindness, optimism, and belief in the goodness and potential of others; he uplifted every room he entered, and his presence in civic and educational spaces inspired confidence, collaboration, and hope; and

WHEREAS, Ron Bean affirmed that Park Forest residents were capable of looking beyond the issue of race or national origin in a 1982 report by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, a reflection of both his lived experience and his unwavering faith in community progress; and

WHEREAS, The passing of Ron Bean is a profound loss to the residents of Park Forest, the students and families of Matteson School District 162 and Southland College Prep, and the many organizations and individuals who benefited from his service, leadership, and generosity; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Ronald "Ron" Bean 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 Ron Bean as an expression of our deepest sympathy.